Ecotoxicological effects of carbendazim on the freshwater food fish Channa striata: An approach to safeguard fish and its consumers' health

Carbendazim, a systemic benzimidazole fungicide widely used in agriculture, poses environmental risks due to its persistence and toxicity to non-target aquatic organisms. This study examines the impact of carbendazim on hematological, cytotoxic, genotoxic, and histopathological parameters in Channa striata, a commercially important food fish species. It hypothesizes that carbendazim at concentrations above the permissible limit (1.0 µg/L) affects fish health. Fish were exposed to carbendazim at concentrations of 1.05 µg/L (Group II) and 1.10 µg/L (Group III), representing 5% and 10% above the permissible limit, respectively, for 96 hours. A control group (Group I) was maintained without exposure. Hematological analysis showed a dose-dependent reduction in red blood cell count, hemoglobin level, and packed cell volume percentage, along with an increase in white blood cell count and poikilocytosis. The micronucleus assay revealed a significant increase in micronuclei frequency, indicating genotoxicity. Histopathological examination showed damage to the liver, kidney, and muscle tissues. The observed behavioral changes included hyperactivity, gulping, abnormal skin pigmentation, and mucus secretion. These findings indicate that exposure to carbendazim above permissible levels induces hematological disorders, cytotoxic damage, genetic damage, and tissue degeneration in Channa striata, posing ecological risks. The study emphasizes the necessity for stricter regulations on the use of carbendazim to protect aquatic ecosystems and the consumers who rely on fish.