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VOL. 8, ISSUE 2 (2026)
Toxicological assessment of Benzalkonium Chloride on behavioral and histological parameters in Catla Catla
Authors
Devika Rani H K, Pavan Kumar R Y, Parimala B
Abstract
The increasing use of household and industrial
chemicals has led to considerable environmental disturbances, particularly
affecting aquatic ecosystems. This study evaluates the xenobiotic effects of
Benzalkonium Chloride on the freshwater fish Catla catla, with special
emphasis on behavioral, biochemical, and histological alterations in gill and
muscle tissues. Fingerlings of Catla catla (average weight 5.2 ± 1.3 g;
length 6.0 ± 1.8 cm) were procured from a fish farm in Tumkur, Karnataka, and
subjected to static bioassay tests to determine acute toxicity. Groups of
acclimatized fish were exposed to varying concentrations of Benzalkonium
Chloride to estimate the 24-hour LC₅₀, while behavioral responses and mortality
were monitored at regular 2-hour intervals. Biochemical analyses revealed a
significant decline in glycogen and protein levels in both gill and muscle
tissues compared to controls, accompanied by an elevation in glucose levels,
indicating stress-induced metabolic disturbances and increased energy demand.
The depletion of glycogen may be linked to enhanced metabolic activity, whereas
reduced protein content suggests the utilization of amino acids in
stress-related catabolic processes. Histopathological observations demonstrated
severe damage to gill tissues, including epithelial desquamation, necrosis
(telangiectasia), shrinkage of secondary lamellae, and hypertrophy and hyperplasia
at the base of lamellae. Muscle tissues showed nuclear proliferation, variation
in fiber size, disintegration and atrophy of muscle bundles, along with
thickening and separation of fibers. Overall, the findings highlight the toxic
impact of Benzalkonium Chloride on Catla catla, particularly emphasizing
the susceptibility of early developmental stages to chemical exposure.
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Pages:1-5
How to cite this article:
Devika Rani H K, Pavan Kumar R Y, Parimala B "Toxicological assessment of Benzalkonium Chloride on behavioral and histological parameters in <i>Catla Catla</i>". International Journal of Environmental and Ecology Research, Vol 8, Issue 2, 2026, Pages 1-5
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