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VOL. 11, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Effects of benzalkonium chloride exposure on physiological and behavioural responses in freshwater fish Catla catla
Authors
Devika Rani H K, Pavan Kumar R Y, Parimala B
Abstract
The extensive use of domestic and industrial chemicals has contributed
to noticeable environmental alterations. The present study investigates the
xenobiotic effects of benzalkonium chloride on the gill and muscle tissues of
the freshwater fish Catla catla. Fingerlings of Catla catla
(average weight: 5.2 ± 1.3 g; average length: 6.0 ± 1.8 cm) were obtained from
the Turvekere fishers farm in Tumkur, Karnataka. Acute toxicity was evaluated
using static bioassay experiments. Groups of ten well-acclimatized fish were
exposed to different concentrations of benzalkonium chloride to determine the
24-hour LC₅₀ values. Mortality and behavioral responses were observed at
two-hour intervals. Biochemical parameters such as glucose, glycogen, and
protein levels were analyzed to assess physiological alterations. Fish exposed
to sublethal concentrations of benzalkonium chloride showed a marked decrease
in glycogen content in both gill and muscle tissues compared to the control
group. Protein levels in these tissues were also reduced. In contrast, glucose
levels were elevated in both tissues. The depletion of glycogen may be linked
to stress-induced increases in metabolic demand, while the reduction in protein
levels could result from the breakdown of amino acids to meet energy
requirements under toxic stress. This study provides new insights into the
toxic effects of benzalkonium chloride on Catla catla, especially in
juvenile stages, which are more sensitive to chemical pollutants than adult
fish.
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Pages:23-27
How to cite this article:
Devika Rani H K, Pavan Kumar R Y, Parimala B "Effects of benzalkonium chloride exposure on physiological and behavioural responses in freshwater fish <i>Catla catla</i>". International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Research, Vol 11, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 23-27
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