Genotoxicological Evaluation of Some Heavy Metals in Fish

Life without water can not exist and pollution of this vital fluid by heavy metals affects life precisely. They cause heavy mortality when present in lethal concentrations, however, when present in sub-lethal concentrations they exert undesirable alterations in genetic content of a living cell. Aquatic animals can be used as sentinel species for the evaluation of genotoxic potential of chemicals in the environment and their risk to human health. Fishes play a major role in the flow of energy in aquatic ecosystems and constitute an important part of the human diet. They can be used as a very sensitive indicator for the monitoring of environmental mutagens and carcinogens. Present study finds its relevance in the above context by revealing the fact that heavy metal pollutant, viz. Cr, Hg, As and Cu by virtue of their presence in aquatic habitats not only adversely alter physico-chemical profile of water but also damage genetic profile of the fish model, C. punctatus. Thus, posing a threat for the loss of fish diversity, a potent food resource in present circumstances as well as days to come.