Malathion-Induced Metabolic Stress: Tissue-Specific Alterations in Carbohydrate Dynamics of Freshwater Fishes, Channa punctatus (Bloch) and Labeo rohita (Hamilton)
Abstract
Pesticide contamination of aquatic ecosystems has become a major environmental concern due to its adverse effects on non-target organisms. Among pesticides, organophosphates such as Malathion are widely used and are known to disrupt metabolic processes in aquatic fauna. The present study investigates the impact of Malathion on carbohydrate metabolism in different tissues of two freshwater fish species, Channa punctatus (Bloch) and Labeo rohita (Hamilton). Fish were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of Malathion for varying durations (24, 48, 72, and 96 hours), and alterations in carbohydrate content were assessed in gill, liver, intestine, muscle, and brain tissues using the Lee and Takahashi method. The results demonstrated a progressive and statistically significant decline in carbohydrate levels across all tissues with increasing exposure duration. The liver and brain tissues showed pronounced depletion, indicating their higher metabolic activity and sensitivity to toxic stress. The reduction in carbohydrate reserves suggests enhanced energy utilization to counteract pesticide-induced stress, reflecting a shift in metabolic pathways. Notably, brain tissue exhibited the highest sensitivity in both fish species, highlighting potential neurotoxic implications of Malathion exposure. This study provides important insights into the biochemical responses of freshwater fish to organophosphate toxicity and underscores the utility of carbohydrate metabolism as a sensitive biomarker for environmental monitoring.
Keywords: Carbohydrates, Malathion, Sub lethal concentration, Channa punctatus, Labeo rohita
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