Tannery Effluent Induced Dna Damage In Liver And Testicular Tissues Of Freshwater Fish Channa Striatus

Various tests in organisms have been utilized for the detection and identification of toxic substances in air, water and soil. The development of comet assay for aquatic organisms is of particular relevance in testing for environmental pollutants. In the present study, the comet assay was applied on fish, Channa striatus. DNA damage was assessed in the metabolic tissue, liver and reproductive tissue, testis. The highest degree of DNA damage and comet % scores were seen in experimental fishes when compared to control. Results of DNA damage in both liver and testis were significant (P<0.05). Comet parameters (comet % and tail length) in the experimental tissue samples were significant (P<0.05). The results suggests a genotoxic nature of the tannery effluent. Comet assay in fish provides adequate sensitivity to be utilized as a tool in the monitoring of water pollution and environmental risk assessment.