Effect of acute and chronic toxicity of paraquat on immune system and growth performance in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

In this study, the impact of paraquat (1, 1-dimethyl 4, 4-bipyridiniumdicholoride) on rainbow trout immune system and growth parameters was evaluated. In acute exposure, fish were distributed into four groups and exposed to 0, 54, 90 and 150 mg L-1 of paraquat for 96 h. In chronic trial, fish were allocated into six groups and exposed to 0, 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg L-1 of paraquat for 30 days. Growth performance (percentage weight gain, condition factor and specific growth rate) and innate immune parameters (lysozyme, haemolytic complement activity and total immunoglobulin) were evaluated. Experimental data showed a LD50 about 48.2 mg of paraquat per litre. Immunotoxic proprieties of paraquat especially in higher doses were shown in both trials. Total weight was also significantly decreased in chronic exposure when fish was subjected to 10 and 20 mg L-1 paraquat whereas other growth parameters were not affected in this experiment. In general, these results suggest that paraquat exposure in rainbow trout could suppress the immunological and growth parameters.