Changes in hematological parameters of a freshwater fish, Cyprinus carpio (communis) exposed under pulp and paper mill effluent

Effect of different concentrations (0 % control, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7%) of pulp and paper mill effluent selected on the basis of 96 hours LC50 test (8%), on certain blood parameters in Cyprinus carpio was evaluated after exposure for 7, 15 & 30 days. The hematological parameters studied include hemoglobin concentration, total erythrocytes count, total leucocytes count, packed cell volume, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, mean corpuscles volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Physico-chemical parameters i.e. pH, temperature, conductivity, total dissolved solids and dissolved Oxygen in diluted effluent were also recorded. Decreasing trend was observed in hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration after an initial increase. Decreasing trend in total erythrocytes count and increasing trend in total leucocytes count, packed cell volume, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and mean corpuscles volume were recorded as concentration of effluent and duration of exposure increased. Minute fluctuations were observed in pH and temperature, and conductivity, total dissolved solids and dissolved oxygen of diluted effluent used during the study.