Abstract

To study the histological changes of the gill due to copper in the estuarine hermit crab Clibanarius infraspinatus in effects of chronic exposure for 10, 20 and 30 days were examined under the light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy.   The experimental setup was made the 30 x 30 x 50 cm at temperature 28±1 ºC, pH 7.9±0.2, 27±1 ppt salinity and 5.6±0.2 mg/l dissolved oxygen. The LC50 of copper 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10mg/L concentration level added with 5L of water. The mortality was 24, 48, 72 and 96 h and the LC50 1/10th for 96 h was taken as the SL study for 30 days of exposures hermit crab selected following this histological studies. In Light Microscope at 58-60°C, the SEM and TEM. The effects of chronic exposure for 10, 20 and 30 days to 10% sub lethal(SL) concentration of copper 96 hr LC50 - 8.547 mg/l; 10% SLC 0.8547 mg/L).   The present ultra structural alterations were remarkable during the exposure period revealed changes observer serve as “biomarkers” for assessing heavy metal toxicity in aquatic environment.

Keywords

Hermit crab, Clibanarius infraspinatus, Copper, Gills, SEM, TEM.  

Received on 13/07/2016, Accepted on 29/08/2016, Published on 03/04/2017