Effects of dietary benzo[a]pyrene on growth and hematological parameters in juvenile rockfish, Sebastes schlegeli (Hilgendorf)

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) on the growth and hematological parameters of rockfish, Sebastes schlegeli, after they were fed with subchronic dietary B[a]P for 30 days. The weight growth rate of the rockfish was significantly different from that of the control group at dietary B[a]P concentration of 1.5 and 2.0 mg/kg. Significant reduction in red blood cells, hematocrit, and hemoglobin were observed during 30 days of exposure to the highest concentration. Over 30 days, serum AST increased at a B[a]P concentration of 1.5 mg/kg and LDH increased at a B[a]P concentration of 1.0 mg/kg concentration. However, no changes were observed in ALT, total protein, magnesium or calcium.