Diclofenac induced alterations in the phospholipid levels in different tissues of fresh water fish, Channa punctatus

The extensive usage and improper disposal of pharmaceuticals have the potential to contaminate the water and sediments. Diclofenac is a widely prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that has been frequently detected in surface waters worldwide. There are evidences of its toxicity in aquatic organisms like phytoplankton, zooplankton and fish. The present study aims to investigate the biochemical alterations induced by Diclofenac in fresh water fish, Channa punctatus. Phospholipids, the major biochemical constituents of the cell membrane were taken as biomarkers. The acute toxicity assays were performed by exposing the fish to three different concentrations 5ppm, 25ppm and 50ppm of diclofenac. The effect was observed in different tissues like gill, liver, brain, muscle and kidney after 24h, 48h, 72h, and 96h of exposure with respect to control. Phospholipids were estimated by Zilversmidth and Davis method. Diclofenac exposure on fish at the set concentrations has caused reduction in the phospholipid level of different tissues when compared to control. The findings of the study assume that diclofenac causes biochemical alterations in fish which leads to the impairment of health status of the fish.