Studies on the toxic impact of arsenic on some enzymes and chromosomes of Channa punctatus

In present day world, arsenic toxicity is posing a great threat to mankind. Arsenic can exist in organic or inorganic form in nature. In general inorganic arsenicals are more toxic than organoarsenicals. It is found that inorganic trivalent arsenic compounds are highest toxic followed by organic trivalent compounds. Channa punctatus were treated with different concentrations of sodium arsenite (NaAsO₂) and lethal and sub lethal doses were determined. Effect of arsenite on chromosomes and micronuclei were established. Marker enzymes like GOT and GPT showed significant alteration in their activity indicating arsenic toxicity.