Volume 15, Issue 2 (summer 2025)
J. Aqua. Eco 2025, 15(2): 54-67 |
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Avakh Keysami M, Avakh Keysami M, Zoughi Shalmani A, Rahanandeh M. The effect of mercuric chloride (HgCl2) on growth indices, survival rate, some blood indices and immunity of common carp fry. J. Aqua. Eco 2025; 15 (2) :54-67
URL: http://jae.hormozgan.ac.ir/article-1-1150-en.html
URL: http://jae.hormozgan.ac.ir/article-1-1150-en.html
Abstract: (79 Views)
Monitoring mercuric chloride in aquatic environments is crucial for ensuring water quality and supporting the healthy, sustainable production of fish. This study evaluated the effects of mercuric chloride on growth, nutritional performance, survival, and selected blood and immune indices of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fry in 2022. A total of 900 fry (initial weight 1.23 ± 0.15 g; 100 fry per tank) obtained from a private hatchery in Rasht were distributed across 12 polyethylene tanks (350 L each) and exposed to four treatments: 0% (control), 5%, 25%, and 50% of the 96-hour LC50 (0.89 mg/L) of mercuric chloride, with three replicates per treatment, over an 8-week period. All groups received identical diets. Results showed that the highest weight (17.28 ± 3.22 g) and body length (7.48 ± 1.08 cm) were observed in the control group, significantly exceeding those of the 5%, 25%, and 50% treatments (p < 0.05). Growth indices, including specific growth rate and survival rate, decreased significantly in all mercuric chloride-exposed groups compared to controls (p < 0.05). Hematological analysis revealed significant reductions in red blood cell counts, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and hematological indices in the exposed groups, with more pronounced effects at higher concentrations. Immune parameters, including immunoglobulin and lysozyme activity, were also significantly suppressed in all mercuric chloride treatments compared to controls (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that exposure of common carp fry to mercuric chloride, even at sublethal concentrations, adversely affects growth, survival, hematological status, and immune function. High concentrations near the LC50 markedly exacerbate these effects, underscoring the toxicological risks of mercury contamination in aquaculture environments.
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