Effect of DDT on Haematological and Histopathological Parameters inClarias batrachus

The current work aims to study the effect of DDT on the haematological and histological characteristics of freshwater fish Clarias batrachus. A persistent organochlorine insecticide, DDT, can build up in aquatic environments and negatively impact organisms that are not its intended targets. Four groups of sixteen healthy fish were created: low dose (3.62 mg/L), medium dose (6.80 mg/L), high dose (13.62 mg/L), and control. Initially, the fish tanks comprised of four fishes each. As a consequence of DDT exposure, which lasted for 21 days, two fish were left in each group at the conclusion of the exposure period. Red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), and haemoglobin (Hb) counts were among the haematological markers that were examined. The findings showed that fish exposed to DDT had significantly lower RBC counts and haemoglobin concentrations than the control group, suggesting the development of anaemia. The WBC count, on the other hand, significantly increased, indicating that toxic stress had triggered the immunological response. The kidney, liver, and gill tissues’ histopathological examination showed dose-dependent structural alterations. The gills displayed hyperplasia, degeneration, lamellar fusion, and epithelial elevation. Hepatic cord disorganisation, congestion, hepatocellular vacuolation, and necrotic changes were observed in the liver. Tubular degeneration, vacuolation, congestion, and disruption of normal tissue architecture were all seen or displayed in the kidney. As the DDT content rose, the lesions’ severity gradually worsened. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used for the statistical analysis, and differences were deemed significant at p < 0.05. Body weight, haematological parameters (Hb, RBC, and WBC), and histopathological features of Clarias batrachus exposed to different DDT doses showed substantial dose-dependent differences from the control group, according to the analysis. The results of this investigation show that DDT significantly damages Clarias batrachus at the physiological and tissue levels. Therefore, haematological and histopathological markers can be employed as reliable biomarkers to monitor pesticide toxicity in freshwater settings.