Acute Toxicity Effects of Heavy Metals to Juvenile Climbing Perch, Anabas testudineus (Bloch, 1792) Within 96-Hour Exposure

Nur Fazne Ibrahim; Nadzifah Yaakub

doi:10.55230/mabjournal.v55i3.3641

Authors

Nur Fazne Ibrahim Faculty of Bioresources and Food Industry, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Besut Campus, 22200 Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia
Nadzifah Yaakub
nadzifah@unisza.edu.my
Faculty of Bioresources and Food Industry, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Besut Campus, 22200 Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia

Keywords:

arsenic, cadmium, lead, LC50, LT50, mortality, zinc

Abstract

This study examines the acute toxicity effects of four heavy metals, arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and zinc (Zn), on juvenile climbing perch, Anabas testudineus, under controlled laboratory conditions. Analytical-grade arsenic acid, cadmium sulfate, Lead(II) chloride, and zinc sulfate were used in preparing standard stock solutions. Fish mortality was recorded at 24-hr intervals over 96 hr. Median lethal concentrations (LC₅₀) and times (LT₅₀) for the juveniles were predicted using cumulative mortality, based on probit analysis run in Microsoft Excel. The water physical parameters, including pH (6.57), temperature (27.1–28.2°C), and dissolved oxygen (6.3–7.2 mg/L), were maintained within optimal ranges, ensuring that fish mortality and behavioural changes were mainly affected by metal toxicity. Arsenic recorded the highest toxicity (LC₅₀= 0.17 ppm), with 100% mortality at 1.0 ppm within 48 hr. Lead (Pb) demonstrated a narrow tolerance range, exhibiting no mortality at concentrations below 1.35 ppm but resulting in rapid 100% mortality at 3.41 ppm (LC₅₀= 2.47 ppm). Cadmium is toxic with sudden, lethal effects at higher concentrations (LC₅₀=2.5 ppm). Zinc became toxic at higher levels (100% mortality at 89 ppm, LC₅₀= 50.35 ppm). The fish toxicity was in the following order: As > Pb > Cd > Zn. An inverse relationship has been detected between LC₅₀values and metal concentration, highlighting the concentration- and time-dependent nature of toxicity. Unusual fish behaviour, including erratic swimming and excessive mucus production, indicated neurophysiological stress responses. This ranking (As > Pb > Cd > Zn) highlights arsenic as the most dangerous contaminant to A. testudineus in aquatic systems.

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