Effect of acute exposure of sodium arsenite (Na3 Aso3) on some haematological parameters of Clarias batrachus (common Indian cat fish) in vivo.

The effect of acute arsenic exposure in the form of sodium arsenite (Na3Aso3) were studied on haematological parameters of Clarias batrachus. Three subleathal concentrations of sodium arsenite (5 ppm, 10 ppm, 15 ppm) were exposed to experimental set of 10 fishes in a glass aquarium filled with 40 L water. The parameters screened after 120 hrs exposure for each experimental set were Hb concentration, TEC, PCV and MCV MCH and MCHC were also calculated. Statistical analysis shows a significant fall in haemoglobin concentration (F=P<0.05) and PCV (F=P<0.05) but non significant fall in TEC (F=P>0.05) after exposure. Calculated value of MCV, MCH were also found significant (F=P<0.05) but MCHC was non significant (F=P>0.05). This experiment elicited disturbed haemopoiesis, erythrocyte membrane disruption, impaired iron intake by RBC and haemolysis due to arsenic intoxication which ultimately resulted haemolytic anaemia.