Effect of Di-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate on Certain Haematological and Histological Parameters of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Abstract

Di-(2-Ethyl-Hexyl) Phthalate (DEHP) is a plasticizer commonly found in aquatic environment due to wide use of plastics for various purposes. In this study, common carp (Cyprinus carpio) (length 14.2 ± 0.82 cm and weight 32.8 ± 0.66 g) were exposed to DEHP at three different concentration levels i.e., 10, 100 and 1000 ?g l-1 water for 30 d to find out its effect on certain haematological and histological parameters. Haematological studies revealed significant (p<0.05) decrease in erythrocyte counts, while leukocyte counts were significantly increased in treated group with increasing concentration of DEHP. Further, treatment of DEHP in concentration dependent manner showed deformities in erythrocytes whereas leukocytes were unaffected. The total plasma protein level was significantly (p<0.05) decreased in lower to higher concentration of the exposure. Histological studies showed gill and liver tissues were affected with impaired histoarchitecture in a dose dependent manner.