Assessment of DNA damage induced by endosulfan in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella Valenciennes, 1844)

Endosulfan is an organochlorine pesticide, which is commonly used throughout the world. It accumulates in the environment and may cause significant damage to the ecosystems, particularly to the aquatic environments. The present study was conducted to evaluate the genotoxic effect of endosulfan on the grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) blood. The fish were exposed to three different concentrations, 0.75 ppb/day, 1.0 ppb/day, and 1.5ppb/day of endosulfan for 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. The study was a randomized control trial and the control group was not exposed to endosulfan. The results showed that after 7 days, the level of DNA damage in all the concentrations was significant (P < 0.05), while after 14, 21, and 28 days' trials, highly significant (P < 0.000) level of DNA damage was observed. Hence, time- and dose-dependent DNA damage was observed in fish DNA by comet assay. It is concluded from our results that with the increase in endosulfan concentration and exposure duration, the level of DNA damage also increased. As the current study showed the severe genotoxic effect of endosulfan in Ctenopharyngodon idella, therefore, the imprudent and indiscriminate use of endosulfan should be controlled and monitored by the concerned government authorities.

Automated summary

The study evaluated the genotoxic effect of endosulfan on grass carp blood, finding that exposure to this pesticide led to significant DNA damage in a time- and dose-dependent manner. As endosulfan demonstrated severe genotoxic effects on Ctenopharyngodon idella, the study recommends that its use be controlled and monitored by government authorities to prevent further harm to ecosystems.