Studies on the Sub-lethal Exposure of Camphor on the Hematology and Serum Biochemistry of Silver Carp

Camphor is frequently used as medicine to treat variety of illnesses; it also has significant harmful effects on aquatic life. Many studies revealed camphor exposure can have an impact regarding the serum biochemical and hematological variables of fish. Toxicants including camphor cause the imbalance and abundance of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which subsequently promote sub-lethal toxicities when they are exposed in fish. The goal of current study was to evaluate how exposure to Camphor affects the hematological parameters and serum biochemistry in Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix). Three replicates were used to assess the 96 hours LC50 and lethal concentrations of camphor for silver carp in first phase of toxicity experiment. After lethal concentrated evaluated fish were subjected to sub-lethal concentrations for 35 days. At regular intervals (7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days), fish samples were collected. Hematological parameters and serum biochemistry were recorded from different organs of fish after sub-lethal exposure to different concentration of camphor. Sub-lethal camphor exposure in Silver Carp fingerlings resulted in severe hematological and biochemical alterations. In exposed groups, RBC, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels fell, particularly in T1, but MCV and WBC counts rose, suggesting an immunological response. Serum protein levels were highest in T1 but decreased in T2 and T3, while glucose levels decreased in all exposed groups, with T1 having the lowest levels. In T1, cholesterol was high but remained steady. These alterations point to camphor exposure-related toxicity and physiological stress.