Determination of acute toxicity levels of cadmium and lead to the fish Lebistes reticulatus (peters)

The toxicity of cadmium and lead to fresh water fish Lebistes reticulatus was demonstrated by static bioassays. Statistical analysis was used for calculating 96 hr median tolerance limits, 95% confidence limits and slope function(s). Swimming activity of the fish decreased and the rate of opercular movements increased significantly. Concentrations 450 and 470 mg/L for male and female fish for cadmium, and 1.68 and 1.72 gm/L for male and female fish for lead, and higher proved lethal. Safe concentration of cadmium and lead to male and female Lebistes reticulatus have been discussed.

Key words::

• Acute
• toxicity
• cadmium
• lead
• fish