Effect of organophosphate profenofos exposure on the hematological parameters of common carp (Labeo rohita)

The organophosphate insecticide profenofos (PFF) is one of the major contaminants in freshwater ecosystems and causes adverse health effects in aquatic organisms, especially fish. Blood parameters are essential biomarkers to evaluate the physiological status of stressed fish. The current study was designed to evaluate the sublethal impacts of PFF on hematological indices in the common carp, Labeo rohita, which included red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) count, packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb) content, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Fish were exposed to PFF at 0.2, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 µg/L for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, respectively. Exposure caused significant reductions in Hb, RBC, Hct, and MCHC, while WBC, MCV, and MCH values were increased compared with the control group. These results indicate that both lethal and sublethal concentrations of PFF disturb the normal hematological parameters, thus showing a toxic impact, affecting the metabolic and physiological performance of L. rohita. Such changes in fish health may cause disturbances in the ecological balance by cascading the altered species interactions and food web dynamics to higher trophic levels.