Pantnagar Journal of Research

Abstract

The present study evaluated the biochemical responses of the freshwater fish Cyprinus carpio post sublethal exposure to triclosan. Fish were exposed to two concentrations of triclosan (0.242 mg/L and 0.484 mg/L) for 7, 14, and 21 days, followed by a 7-day recovery period under laboratory conditions. Biochemical parameters like glucose, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were analyzed to assess metabolic and hepatic stress responses. The results revealed significant, concentration- and time-dependent increases in glucose and cholesterol levels in the exposed groups compared to the control and solvent control groups. Similarly, the activities of hepatic enzymes AST and ALT showed marked elevations during the exposure period, suggesting possible liver dysfunction and cellular damage induced by triclosan. These biochemical alterations indicate disturbances in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism along with impairment of hepatic integrity. However, during the recovery period, most parameters showed a noticeable decline toward control values, indicating partial physiological recovery after removal of the toxicant. Overall, the findings demonstrate that triclosan exposure can induce significant biochemical disturbances in Cyprinus carpio and highlight the usefulness of biochemical biomarkers as sensitive indicators of aquatic pollution. This study underscores the potential ecological risks associated with triclosan contamination in freshwater ecosystems.