Toxicological and Hematological Assessment of Azoxystrobin in Freshwater Fish: A Study on Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

Fishes are widely acknowledged as bioindicators, representing the effects of pollutants on aquatic ecosystems. Azoxystrobin, a commonly used fungicide, poses significant risks to aquatic life when it contaminates water bodies, compromising fish health and enhancing their susceptibility to pathogens. This study assesses the acute toxicity and hematological effects of Azoxystrobin on the freshwater fish Ctenopharyngodon idella (Grass Carp). The fish were exposed to varying Azoxystrobin concentrations for 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. The LC50 values recorded for these durations were 17 mg/L, 15 mg/L, 13 mg/L, and 11 mg/L, respectively. Notable behavioural changes include increased respiration rates, erratic movements, and abnormal swimming patterns. Morphological alterations such as excessive mucus secretion were observed, particularly in the early stages of exposure. The study demonstrated a dose- and time-dependent toxicological response, significantly affecting the fish's behavior and metabolic functions. These findings highlight the ecological risks associated with Azoxystrobin contamination and its potential threat to aquatic ecosystems.