Toxic effects of esfenvalerate on blood parameters in <i>Alburnus tarichi</i> (Güldenstädt, 1814) caught in Lake Van (Turkey)

Lake Van fish (Alburnus tarichi) is an endemic vertebrate species living in Lake Van. The salty and soda waters of the lake limit biodiversity. This fish is on the IUCN Red List of endangered species. Anthropogenic pollutants are important stress factors for organisms. Insecticides that affect the water system and are widely used today are of great importance. Research is needed to monitor and reveal the potentially destructive effects of these pollutants on Lake Van fish. This study aimed to evaluate the hematological and biochemical effects of Lake Van fish at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h sublethal esfenvalerate concentration (0.158 µg/L). In this study evaluating the hematological and biochemical parameters of fish exposed to esfenvalerate, the decreases in erythrocyte, hemoglobin and hematocrit, mean erythrocyte volume, mean hemoglobin and mean hemoglobin concentration values were found to be significant (p ≤ 0.05). In addition, increases in aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase enzyme activities and serum glucose levels were observed (p ≤ 0.05). The changes in hematological and biochemical parameters of Lake Van fish exposed to esfenvalerate can be used as biomarkers for monitoring water pollution.