Biochemical Responses and Bioaccumulation Patterns in different Organs of Cyprinus carpio Exposed to Cadmium
Abstract
Background: Cadmium is a highly toxic heavy metal that poses serious threats to aquatic ecosystems by interfering with key biochemical and physiological functions in exposed organisms. The present study evaluated the tissue-specific accumulation of cadmium and its associated effects on enzymatic and metabolic profiles in Cyprinus carpio under chronic exposure conditions.
Methods: Healthy specimens of Cyprinus carpio (70–80 g) were acclimatized under laboratory conditions and divided into control (n = 5) and treated (n = 5) groups. The treated groups were exposed to cadmium chloride at concentrations of 2.0, 1.7, 1.4, and 0.2 mg/L for durations of 30, 40, 50, and 60 days, respectively. Serum biochemical markers including SGPT, SGOT, ALP, CPK, LDH, glucose, total protein, urea, calcium, and cholesterol were assessed. Cadmium bioaccumulation in liver, gills, intestine, and muscle tissues was quantified using atomic absorption spectrophotometry.
Results: Statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) and exposure duration–dependent variations were recorded across all evaluated parameters. Activities of SGPT, CPK, and LDH exhibited a consistent downward trend with increasing exposure time. In contrast, ALP and SGOT showed a biphasic response, characterized by an initial decline during 30–50 days of exposure followed by a marked elevation at 60 days, exceeding control values. Metabolic indicators such as glucose, total protein, calcium, and cholesterol were significantly reduced during early exposure phases, with partial recovery observed at prolonged exposure. Blood urea levels initially declined but increased sharply at later stages, suggesting progressive metabolic impairment. Cadmium distribution was clearly tissue-dependent, with the highest accumulation detected in the liver, followed by gills, intestine, and muscle. Hepatic cadmium levels approximately doubled after 60 days of exposure, indicating its central role in metal sequestration and detoxification.
Conclusion: Chronic exposure to cadmium induces pronounced biochemical and metabolic disruptions in Cyprinus carpio, along with significant tissue-specific accumulation patterns. These findings highlight the potential ecological risks associated with cadmium pollution and emphasize the need for continuous environmental monitoring and regulatory control.
Keywords: Cadmium, Bioaccumulation, Biochemical Alterations, Cyprinus Carpio, Heavy Metal Toxicity
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.62940/als.v13i2.4098
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