Biochemical response of anthracene and benzo [a] pyrene in milkfish Chanos chanos

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are common toxic pollutants found in the aquatic environment, and the assessment of their impact on biota is of considerable concern. The aim of the present research was to study the acute toxicity, bioaccumulation and biochemical response of milkfish Chanos chanos (Forsskal) to two selected PAHs: anthracene and benzo [a] pyrene. Acute toxicity test results were evaluated by the Probit analysis method and 96 h LC50 values for C. chanos exposed to anthracene was 0.030 mg l−1 and 0.014 mg l−1 for benzo [a] pyrene. Bioaccumulation concentration of anthracene was high when compared to benzo [a] pyrene. Biomarkers indicative of neurotoxicity (acetylcholinesterase, AchE), oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation, LPO and catalase, CAT) and phase II biotransformation of xenobiotics (glutathione S transferase, GST and reduced glutathione, GSH) were measured to assess effects of selected PAHs. Anthracene and benzo [a] pyrene increase LPO and CAT level of C. chanos suggesting that these PAHs may induce oxidative stress. Both the PAHs inhibited AchE indicating that they have atleast one mechanism of neurotoxicity in common: the disruption of cholinergic transmission by inhibition of AChE. An induction of C. chanos glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was found in fish exposed to benzo [a] pyrene, while an inhibition was observed after exposure to anthracene. These results suggest that GST is involved in the detoxification of benzo [a] pyrene, but not of anthracene.

► The 96 h LC50 values for C. chanos exposed to anthracene was 0.030 mg l−1 and 0.014 mg l−1 for benzo [a] pyrene.
► Bioaccumulation concentration of anthracene was higher when compared to benzo [a] pyrene.
► Head, gills and dorsal fin muscles play a vital role by exhibiting changes to varied biomarker studies.