In Vivo Assessment of Toxic Effects of Lead Nitrate on Daniorerio (Zebrafish)

In the presentscenario, aquatic pollution is a huge concern. It is mainly caused by industrial, agricultural, and various domestic activities. In the animal body, lead has no biological function. The objective of the present study is to determine the toxic effects of lead nitrate on Daniorerio. Fish were procured and grouped into six groups one unexposed group and five exposed groups. Fish were exposed to different concentrations of lead nitrate 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mg/L for 96 hours to determine LC50.Based on the mortality of fish for 96 hours, the LC50 of lead nitrate for Daniorerio is 40 mg/L. There is a positive correlation between concentration and mortalities. Behavioralchanges of zebrafish at different concentrations of lead nitrate were observed. Zebrafish exposed to lead nitrate exhibit anomalousbehavior. Physiological responses such as slow locomotion, gulping of air, swimming with jerky movements, schooling disturbed, rapid opercular activity, and erratic swimming were observed during the early hours of lead nitrate exposure, after which it became habitual. In the control group, fish exhibit natural behavior. Therefore, during the disposal of heavy metals, restrictive regulations should be imposed to conserve valuable biodiversity.