Acute toxicity of mercuric chloride (Hgcl2) on survival and behavioural responses of freshwater fish Labeo rohita (Hamilton)

The aim of the present study deals with the acute toxicity (LC50 evaluation) of Mercuric Chloride to fresh water fish Labeo rohita for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours the percentage of mortality rate was calculated by following the Finney’s probit analysis method. The LC50 values of the prepared concentrations for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hrs were found at 0.41, 0.35, 0.30, and 0.25 mg/L respectively. During the course of experiment, the behavioural alterations were also observed like surfacing, erratic movement, increased mucous secretion, decreased opercular movement and loss of balance. The present study revealed that, the LC50 value gradually decreased with the increase of exposure period and the mortality rate increased with increase in concentration with pesticide exposure.