Effect of Malathion on The Liver of Common Indian Catfish

Abstract

Despite the stringent laws made by the governments, for the welfare of ecosystem and environment, it is quite evident that humans have always ended up harming them through their irresponsible and selfish activities. Leave aside, the atmospheric pollution and its repercussions, the exponential increase in the use of chemicals and pesticides has been one the chief reasons for water pollution as well. However, the pesticides are widely used to keep the crops safe from pests and insects, when their residues get into the water bodies through the rainwater or because of the flood, they become curse for the aquatic animals, such as fish. Fishes are considered as the bio-indicator for they are relatively more sensitive to the changes in their environment than the other aquatic species. Hence, fishes are often put under observation to monitor water pollution. These pesticides not only hinder their proper growth but also put their survival in danger. Organophosphate pesticides are one the most extensively used pesticides because they more toxic than the other pesticides. Humans hardly realize that they are not only toxic for insects but for other animals including Homo Sapiens also. It is evident that Organophosphate pesticide disrupts the transmission of neurotransmitters, sent out by brain to various parts of body, by inhibiting Acetycholinesterase in the organisms. But the present study shall focus on the ill effects of Organophosphate Malathion on the Liver of Heteropneustes fossilis, commonly known as the Common Indian Catfish. Malathion is an Organophosphate insecticide whose application is not limited to just to farm and agriculture; it is also used to control mosquitoes, especially in coastal areas.