Assessment of Industrial Agrochemical Leachate Toxicity and Neurobehavioral Toxicity Thresholds in Channa punctatus
Keywords:
Industrial waste, Leachate bioassay, Bio-indicator, Neurotoxicity, Median lethal concentration, Bio-monitoringAbstract
Uncontrolled discharge and environmental percolation of industrial agrochemical waste generate complex toxic leachates that degrade aquatic ecosystems. This investigation utilized the hardy air-breathing teleost Channa punctatus as a bio-indicator to evaluate the acute toxicity and neurobehavioral impact of pesticide manufacturing waste leachate. Utilizing static acute bioassay methods (APHA/USEPA), fish were subjected to exposure concentrations of 5.0%, 7.5%, 10.0%, 12.5%, 15.0%, 20.0%, and 25.0% alongside parallel controls over 96 hours. The calculated 96-hour LC50 was determined to be 12.5%. Qualitative behavioural profiling revealed progressive neurotoxic stress, manifested by hyperventilation (increased opercular frequency), heightened surfacing activity to gulp air, hyperexcitability, erratic swimming, loss of motor control, and body discoloration. Complete mortality (100%) was recorded within 96 hours at concentrations ≥ 20%. These biological outcomes highlight the vulnerability of native teleost species to landfill leachates and underscore the imperative for stringent environmental compliance regarding hazardous waste disposal.
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