LC50 and bioaccumulation of lead nitrate (Pb(NO3)2) in Goldfish (Carassius auratus)

Lead is a metal with no known biological benefit to organisms. The present study focused on bioaccumulation of Lead in various organs of gold fish (Caracius auratus). Fishes were exposed to lead nitrate [Pb(NO3)2] at a series of concentrations 0.0 mg/L (control group), 0.09, 0.15, 0.24, 0.3, 0.36 and 0.45 mg/l, which were equivalent to approximately 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 9% of 96 h LC50 for 28 days. After 28 days of exposure, 10 fish per treatment were captured and anesthetized under aquatic solution of clove powder (200 mg/L). Fishes were euthanized and the gill, viscera and muscle tissue were sampled and weighed. Then, lead concentrations were measured in different tissues of goldfish using ICP. Viscera had the highest lead bioaccumulation potential, followed by the gill. The muscles were least preferred site for detecting the bioaccumulation of Pb. In conclusion, although lead was found in all tissues tested, Pb bioaccumulation potential is variable depending on the tissue structure.