International Journal of Environment and Climate Change

Numerous enterprises discharge their untreated waste water straight into aquatic habitats. In addition to causing water pollution, the poisonous heavy metals like chromium found in that waste water also have an impact on aquatic life. Therefore, the goal of this research was to assess the toxicological effects of chromium (VI) on Channa punctatus, a freshwater fish. Chromium is an important metal and also a severe threat to aquatic life. Fish, the dominant creature in the aquatic environment, end up being the main target of these contaminants. Chromium enters fish's bodies via their gills, skin, and digestive tracts as a result of contaminated food. They are eventually carried by the circulation to the organs and tissues, where they accumulate after absorption. Through the food chain, heavy metals ultimately find their way into people. Approximately 120 fishes were subjected to three different amounts of chromium (LC₅₀/5: 15.37 mg/L, LC₅₀/10: 7.68 mg/L, and LC₅₀/20: 3.84 mg/L) in this experiment, as well as a toxicant-free control. The relevant blood samples were taken from the caudal peduncle at intervals of 7, 14, 21, and 28 days in order to determine haematological parameters (haemoglobin, haematocrit, red blood cell count, etc.). As a consequence, several alterations in these parameters were noted, and eventually, fish began to lose their resistance to disease, become anaemic, and weaken their immune systems. While it was stated that throughout exposure periods of 7, 14, 21, and 28 days, Groups 2, 3, and 4 had substantially higher MCH and MCV values than Control (Group 1), it was also observed that Groups 2, 3, and 4 had lower Hb, RBC and PCV values. The primary objective of this research was to increase public awareness of the need to protect aquatic environments, particularly from heavy metal-contamination.