Toxicological Assessment of Barium Carbonate on Behavioral and Hematological Parameters in Channa punctatus

Barium and its compounds are known for their toxic nature. In the present study barium carbonate (BaCO₃), a known rodenticide has been assessed for its toxicological effects on Channa punctatus. Behavioral as well as hematological parameters including body colour, movements, food intake and mucus secretion were studied. Fingerlings of Channa punctatus were observed for one week and the results revealed cell membrane damage and nuclear shrinkage in RBCs following two different concentration treatments of barium carbonate. A dose and duration dependent toxicological effect was seen. Conclusively, the present study confirms the toxic nature of barium carbonate to Channa punctatus as revealed by the hematological as well as behavioral end points. As only a few studies have been done on the toxic aspects of BaCO₃on different animal models, further short term studies should be conducted so as to complete the toxic profile of barium carbonate.