Efficacy of ascorbic acid reducing waterborne copper toxicity in butterfish (Poronotus triacanthus)

Abstract

This study was investigated the effects of copper (Cu) and Ascorbic Acid (AA) on butterfish (Poronotus triacanthus), using the micronucleus (MN) and Nuclear Abnormality (NA) tests for the period of 7, 14 and 21 days. NA shapes in erythrocytes were scored into blebbed nuclei (BL), lobed nuclei (LB), notched nuclei (NT) and binuclei (BN). It was observed that, fish showed significant sensitivity to the different treatments. In general, the highest value of both MN and NA cells were significantly increased in the Cu treated group followed by the combination of Cu and AA treated group. These values revealed the highest number after 21 days treatment in all cases. The frequencies of each NA shape in erythrocytes of all treatments were observed in the following NT>LB>BN>BL. Present results demonstrated the efficacy of ascorbic acid in reducing genotoxicity in fish induced by waterborne copper. © 2007 Asian Network for Scientific Information.