CHROMIUM SULPHATE INDUCED ALTERATIONS OF GLYCOGEN AND PROTEIN CONTENT IN SOME TISSUES OF A FRESH WATER FISH Heteropneustes fossilis

Contamination of aquatic resources due to heavy metals is a serious threat to the aquatic organisms especially fish as they are on higher trophic level in aquatic food chain. Fish is one of the important bio-resources for human beings as it contribute our economy and provide livelihood to millions of people worldwide. Chromium (III) sulphate (Cr2(SO4).18H2O) was taken in the present investigation to study the effects on tissue metabolite levels of a fresh water fish Heteropneustes fossilis. The LC50 values were recorded for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours. The fish exposed to sub-lethal concentration of 5.0 mg/l for 10 days and 20 days exhibited decline in the glycogen content of liver, muscles, testis and ovary while protein depletion was reported in the liver, testes and ovary. The present study indicates that chromium (III) sulphate causes metabolic disturbances and hence, alteration in the tissue metabolite level resulting into adverse effect on fish health.