Lethal and sub-lethal impacts of lead on some hematological, biochemical and immunological indices in Caspian roach (Rutilus rutilus)

The present study has been conducted on Caspian Roach (Rutilus rutilus) so that the impact of different concentrations lead on blood hematological, biochemical, and immunological indicators could be investigated. The roach (Rutilus rutilus), used in this study, was 3.3±0.3 g heavy and 4±0.80 cm long in average. The fish were exposed to a low concentration of 10% LC50 and high concentration of 50% LC50 lead for a period of 0, 24, 48, and 96 h. The experiment was done in a static toxicity condition, within tanks of 400L, each including 14 fish. In the 96-hour period (10% LC50 Lead), the parameters of WBC and RBC dropped significantly in comparison to the control group (0 h) (P<0.05). MCV and MCH elevated as the exposure time ascended up to 96 h (P<0.05), but the cortisol decreased in the meantime. In the 96-hour period (50% LC50 Lead) RBC, Hb and Hct parameters plummeted towards the control group (P<0.05). Heavy metals can change physiological and biochemical parameters in fish blood. The results show that lead (10% LC50 and 50% LC50 concentration Lead) may poison the fish, causing their death. The major toxicity belongs to the 50% LC50 concentration Lead.