Evaluation of Hepatotoxic Potential of an Azo Dye, Eriochrome Black T on Freshwater Catfish, Clarias batrachus

Nowadays, textile industries are one of the major contributors to water pollution, causing a devastating impact on aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the impact of a textile azo dye, Eriochrome Black T (EBT), on the liver of a freshwater fish, Clarias batrachus. Fish were exposed to three concentrations of EBT, i.e., 1 mgL^-1, 10 mgL^-1 and 20 mgL^-1, to evaluate oxidative stress markers such as level of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and activity of enzymatic antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GPx and GR), as well as histology and histochemitry following 96 h of exposure. The results revealed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in EBT bioaccumulation, resulting in elevated level of LPO and significant variation (p < 0.05) in the activities of antioxidant enzymes. The percent change calculation of oxidative stress markers of exposed fishes from control one showed that EBT had most significant impact on the fishes exposed to 20 mgL^-1 of EBT. Histological and histochemical examinations also demonstrated the deteriorating impact of EBT on structural architecture of liver. Hence, the present study concludes that EBT causes detrimental impact on fish health by impairing its liver detoxification system and metabolism. Therefore, it is suggested to explore mechanism of EBT toxicity on aquatic organisms so that its hazardous risk can be monitored and preventive measures can be taken.