Journal of the Indian Society of Toxicology

Toxicity of copper on some metabolic processes can lead to disturbance and imbalance of various physiological activities such as respiration, reproduction, bone formation, and metabolism of some nutrients. Copper sulphate is frequently used as a general biocide in the aquaculture industry.

The present study reflects the effect of copper sulphate on lipids in some vital organs of the freshwater crab Barytelphusa gureini. Crabs of equal size were treated with different concentrations of copper sulphate (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 ppm) respectively. The mortality rate was noted up to 96 hours. After deducing the LC₅₀, the crabs were treated with a sub-lethal concentration of copper sulphate (1.5 ppm) for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours respectively. Total lipid estimation was done in the case of sub-lethal concentration (1.5 ppm) of copper sulphate exposure and compared with the control group of crabs.

The results showed a significant decline in the total lipid in the following organs of Barytelphusa gureini at sublethal concentration of copper sulphate – hepatopancreas (67.7%) < muscle (58.8%) < gills (47.3%) < haemolymph (powder form) (28.8%). In contrast, there was an increase in the lipid in various organs of control crabs – hepatopancreas (0.091 mg/100 mg) > gills (0.076 mg/100 mg) > haemolymph (powder form) (0.052 mg/100 mg) > muscle (0.034 mg/100 mg).

The lipid reduction in the present study is a reflection of breakdown of lipid in stress situation.