Certain pesticide-induced carbohydrate metabolic disorders in the serum of freshwater fish Clarias batrachus (Linn.)

A freshwater edible catfish, Clarias batrachus (Linn.), was exposed to sublethal concentrations of two different groups of pesticides—carbaryl, a carbamate and phorate, an organophosphorus (OP) pesticide—for 24, 72, 120 and 168 hours. The alterations and the disorders of carbohydrate metabolism were studied in the serum. Serum glucose, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin levels increased with both the pesticides throughout the exposure period. The results indicate that the carbohydrate metabolism was adversely affected by both the pesticides, as evidenced in the serum of the fish.