Browsing by Author "Tarun Kumar Banerjee"

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Analyses of the health status, risk assessment and recovery response of the nutritionally important catfish Clarias batrachus reared in coal mine effluent-fed pond water: a biochemical, haematological and histopathological investigation
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2022) Kalpana Chhaya Lakra; Arup Mistri; Tarun Kumar Banerjee; Bechan Lal
The present field study evaluates the health status of the catfish Clarias batrachus reared in coal mine effluent (CME)-fed pond water at Rajrappa mining complex using biochemical, haematological and histopathological parameters. Simultaneously, risk assessment along with recovery response of the CME intoxicated fish following their treatment with CME-free freshwater was also studied. The CME-fed pond water fish revealed significant decrease in biomolecules concentrations and considerable increase in activities of several enzymes along with metallothionein level as compared to control. The impaired regulation of metabolic function was also revealed by blood parameters showing significant decrease in haemoglobin content (8.78 ± 0.344 g/100 mL) and red blood cells count (1.77 ± 0.12 × 106 mm3) while substantial elevation in white blood cells (187.13 ± 9.78 × 103 mm3). The histopathological study also confirmed the changes including hypertrophy of club cells of skin, swelling of secondary lamella of gills, extensive fibrosis in liver and glomerular shrinkage with increased Bowman’s space in kidney. Potential health risk assessments based on estimated daily intake and target hazard quotient indicated health risks associated with the consumption of such fishes. The CME-contaminated fish when transferred to CME-free freshwater exhibited decreased metal content accompanied by eventual recovery response as evident by retrieval in biochemical and haematological parameters. Withdrawal study also revealed restoration in the activity of different marker enzymes in fish tissues including blood as well as recovery in their cellular architecture. The results of the present study validate the depuration process as an effective practice for detoxification of fish contaminated with effluent. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.
Analysis of ammonium sulphate toxicity in the freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis using mucocyte indexing
(1996) Vattapparumbil Issac Paul; Tarun Kumar Banerjee
Acute (2 g dm-3) as well as sublethal (0.2 g dm-3 toxicity induced by ammonium sulphate on the mucocytes of the epithelial linings of accessory respiratory organ, body skin and opercular skin were analysed by mucocyte (MC) indexing. Density, area and volume of the MCs of all the three tissues (in acute and sublethal experiments) vary significantly by exposure time. The periodic increase/decrease in the density, area and volume of MCs at various or same stage(s) of ammonium sulphate treatment were not interrelated, thus varied independently of each other exhibiting various physiological states of the MCs. The present investigation has shown that the mucogenic activity can more precisely be estimated by taking into account the volume of the MC from tissue samples collected at different exposure time.
Analysis of arsenic bioaccumulation in different organs of the nutritionally important catfish, Clarias batrachus (L.) exposed to the trivalent arsenic salt, sodium arsenite
(2012) Randhir Kumar; Tarun Kumar Banerjee
Pattern of arsenic bioaccumulation in six organ systems (blood, brain, gills, liver, muscles and skin) of Clarias batrachus was analysed following exposure to sublethal (1 mg L-1; 5 % of 96 h LC50 value) concentration of sodium arsenite. After 60 days of treatment the liver accumulated highest concentration (9.711 ± 0.138 μg g-1 dry wt of tissue.) of arsenic followed by gills (6.156 ± 0.154) > blood (6.070 ± 0.043)> muscles (5.756 ± 0.123)> skin (5.606 ± 0.140)>brain (2.350 ± 0.205). The bioaccumulations of arsenic in all the tissues were time dependant and increased with exposure period. Although the exposed fish loaded with arsenic did not die after prolonged treatment (60 days), the amount of arsenic accumulated made them unsuitable for human consumption. Due to depletion of the proteineous components of their muscles, the body mass of the exposed fish decreased without corresponding decrease in their length. This made the fish lean and thin. These proteineous moieties of the muscles and other tissue systems of the stressed fish were mobilized for breakdown to generate additional requirement of energy to combat the arsenic toxicity. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2012.
Application of phytoremediation technology in decontamination of a fish culture pond fed with coal mine effluent using three aquatic macrophytes
(Taylor and Francis Inc., 2019) Kalpana C. Lakra; Bechan Lal; Tarun Kumar Banerjee
In the present study, three aquatic macrophytes, Eichhornia crassipes, Salvinia molesta, and Pistia stratiotes were used to assess their relative efficacies in decontamination of a fish culture pond, regularly fed with coal mine effluent (CME). The level of metals like Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cr, and Cd were much higher in CME-fed pond water than their recommended limits in drinking water set by the Bureau of Indian standards and in effluents by the Environmental Protection Agency. The levels of metal were lowered substantially in CME-fed pond water after exposure of the above plants to such water, however, metal levels in the plants increased tremendously. The increased metal levels in plants severely damaged their physiological and biochemical processes. The contents of chlorophyll a, b and carotenoid were reduced by 63.2, 64.2, and 46.3%, respectively, in E. crassipes, 41, 57.4, and 57.8% in S. molesta, and 42, 62, and 61% in P. stratiotes. The accumulating metals also generated oxidative stress in plants, as evident from the increased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and enhanced malondialdehyde content. The E. crassipes was the most potent in absorbing the metals from the CME-fed pond water, followed by S. molesta and P. stratiotes. © 2019, © 2019 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Bioaccumulation of metals in the edible catfish heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) exposed to coal mine effluent generated at Northern Coalfield Limited, Singrauli, India
(2011) Sandhya Bharti; Tarun Kumar Banerjee
Metal accumulation in various tissues of Heteropneustes fossilis exposed to the effluent generated from an open cast coal mine was investigated. The contents of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, Cd and Cr in the effluent were above the permissible limits as suggested by the different pollution control agencies. Out of the eight metals investigated, accumulation (mg kg -1 dry weight of tissue) of Fe was maximum in every tissues followed by liver (265.88 ± 49.89) > kidney (153.0 ± 65.85) > gills (50.66 ± 23.923) > brain (49.303 ± 5.11) > air breathing organs (27.98 ± 10.93) > skin (19.56 ± 2.53) > muscles (8.74 ± 0.83). This was succeeded by Pb in brain (39.35 ± 5.79), Zn in kidneys (27.04 ± 2.31), Mn in the gills (20.69 ± 3.044), Cu (12.53 ± 1.01) > Cr (5.10 ± 2.87) in liver and Cd in kidneys (2.18 ± 0.084). Liver and ABOs showed significant uptake of all the metals. Except Cu and Cr, accumulation of most of the metals by kidneys and gills were also significant. Accumulation of Fe, Cd, Pb and Cr in most of the tissues of exposed fish were above the permissible limits indicating their potential hazardous impact on fish as well as on fish consumers. Even in the tissues of untreated fish the concentrations of Fe (12.26-428.47), Cd (0.2-1.22), Pb (0.02-9.42) and Cr (1.14-11.05) were above the permissible limits. This clearly demonstrates greater bioavailability of these metals in the area. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.
Bioassay analysis of efficacy of phytoremediation in decontamination of coal mine effluent
(2013) Sandhya Bharti; Tarun Kumar Banerjee
Phytoremediation efficacy of Lemna minor and Azolla pinnata in decontaminating metals from coal mine effluent (CME) was analyzed using bioassays. Catfish Heteropneustes fossilis were exposed to both the phytoremediated CMEs for the metal bioaccumulation analysis and biochemical alteration in seven vital tissues. Gross concentration of metals accumulated in liver, kidneys, air breathing organs (ABO), skin and muscle were greater in fish exposed to A. pinnata remediated CME (AP-CME) than those exposed to L. minor remediated CME (LP-CME). Total protein concentrations of all the tissues were greater in fish exposed to LP-CME than to AP-CME. Glycogen concentrations were greater in muscle, brain, ABO and skin of LP-CME exposed fish. In remaining tissues (liver, kidneys and gills) concentrations of glycogen were more in AP-CME exposed ones. Total lipid and total DNA concentrations were greater in most of the tissues of fish exposed to LP-CME than to AP-CME. The total RNA concentrations were elevated only in muscle, liver, kidneys and brain of LP-CME exposed fish; in rest of the tissues (gills, ABO and skin) it was greater in AP-CME exposed fish. The values of condition factor (K) and organosomatic index (OSI) of fish exposed to LP-CME and AP-CME were insignificant to those of wild fish. However, the improvements in the biomolecules concentration of tissues of fish exposed to either of the phytoremediated effluent were not equivalent to their concentration in the wild fish. Thus, decontamination of CME by either of these macrophytes was not complete and prolonged exposure of even phytoremediated CMEs exerts deleterious effects on the fish. © 2013 Elsevier Inc.
Coal mine effluent-induced metal bioaccumulation, biochemical, oxidative stress, metallothionein, and histopathological alterations in vital tissues of the catfish, Clarias batrachus
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2021) Kalpana Chhaya Lakra; Tarun Kumar Banerjee; Bechan Lal
In the present study, a multi-biomarker approach was used to assess the toxicity of the coal mine effluent (CME) generated at the Rajrappa coal mine on the catfish Clarias batrachus. A core of biomarkers indicative of nutritional value, oxidative stress, and histopathology was selected to illustrate the toxic effects of CME-containing different heavy metals and other toxicants. The results of metal bioaccumulation in CME-exposed fish tissues revealed the highest metal concentration in liver (1.34–297.68 mg/kg) while lowest in muscles (1.47–23.26 mg/kg) as compared to other tissues and so was the metallothionein level. The high value of bioaccumulation observed in liver, kidney, and gills reflects their affinity for metals. In addition, the values of metal pollution index (MPI) of different fish tissues further affirmed that liver followed by kidney and gills are at greater risk than brain, skin, and muscles. Significant alterations in the activity of certain enzymes (aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase) as well as oxidative stress markers (superoxide dismutase, catalase and lipid peroxidation) were detected in the tissues of CME-exposed fish. The tissue-specific metal accumulation and increased metallothionein levels may be associated with the biochemical and physiological activity of an organ and its constitutive antioxidant defenses. The histopathological changes in the various tissues of the CME-exposed fish justify the high metal accumulation and biochemical alterations. Overall results indicate that the Rajrappa coal mine effluent is very toxic having adverse health impact on the fish and might also affect the human health when consumed. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH, DE part of Springer Nature.
Coal mine effluent-led bioaccumulation of heavy metals and histopathological changes in some tissues of the catfish Clarias batrachus
(Springer International Publishing, 2019) Kalpana C. Lakra; Bechan Lal; Tarun Kumar Banerjee
Coal mining generates huge quantity of toxic effluent which consistently pollutes the neighboring wetlands where the local inhabitants regularly cultivate edible fishes. In the present study the concentration of heavy metals Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Ni, Cd, Pb and Cr were analyzed in the water and various tissues of edible catfish Clarias batrachus reared in a pond receiving effluents from Rajrappa coal mine, Jharkhand, India. The metal concentrations in the pond water were dramatically higher (Fe 350%, Zn 423%, Cu 12%, Mn 7029%, Ni 713%, Cd 1700%, Pb 4333% and Cr 588%) than the safe limit of Environmental Pollution Agency (2003) as well as the control tap water. Excessive amounts of metals in effluent caused their substantial transfer to the different tissues of the catfish reared in such ponds. Results showed that accumulation of metals in fish tissues were in the following order: liver > kidney > air breathing organ (ABO) > gills > skin > brain > muscles. Among the various tissues the highest accumulation of most of the metals was recorded in the liver (2.05–271.28 mg/kg dry weight) and lowest in the muscles (1.39–30.27 mg/kg dry weight), while the concentration of metals in other tissues ranged in between. The accumulation of heavy metals in tissues appears to cause remarkable histopathological alterations in skin, gills, ABO, liver and kidney that might be leading to deleterious effect on fish physiology and consequently impact the consumers of such fishes. © 2019, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
Estimation of arsenic toxicity by analysis of certain marker enzymes of the air-breathing catfish clarias batrachus (Linn.)
(Wiley-VCH Verlag, 2014) Randhir Kumar; Tarun Kumar Banerjee
In this investigation, Clarias batrachus was exposed to sublethal concentration of sodium arsenite (1mg/L; 5% of LC50 value) for 10, 30, 45, and 60 days. Activities of several enzymes (alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH), lipid peroxidase (LPO)) and antioxidant enzymes (reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)) were monitored in the serum, liver, and muscular tissues. Our results showed a significant increase in the activities of ALP, ALT, AST, and LPO after prolonged exposure of 60 days. Significant decrease in the activities of G-6-PDH, GSH, SOD, and CAT were simultaneously detected after 60 days of exposure. Total protein contents and -SH moieties also decreased significantly after 60 days. Estimation of the activities of these enzymes suggested the severe harmful effect of the trivalent arsenic salt, responsible for tissue damages in the C. batrachus during biochemical analyses. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Estimation of zinc chloride contamination by histopathological analysis of the respiratory organs of the air breathing 'murrel' Channa striata (Bloch, 1797) (Channiformes, Pisces)
(2005) Tarun Kumar Banerjee; Sunita Chandra
Sub-lethal toxicity of zinc chloride (11.5 ppm) on the respiratory organs of the Channa striata has been analysed. The mucous cells show periodic fluctuations in their number, size and staining properties elaborating larger quantities of sulphated mucopolysaccharides. The respiratory epithelium (RE) of the respiratory (secondary) lamellae (SL) of the gills shows periodic lifting with deformity of the lamellar elements, haemorrhages due to necrosis and sloughing off of the RE, followed by hyperplasia and fusion of neighbouring SL. Other prominent alterations include increased thickness of the RE and subsequent dismantling of the vascular elements. Fusion of SL reduces the surface area for gaseous exchange, causing impaired branchial respiration. The alterations in the suprabranchial chamber include protrusion of RBC-engorged minute vascular papillae on the floor of its lumen. This brings the blood nearer to the air in the lumen. Congestion of the sub-epithelial blood vessels of the respiratory organs, especially the suprabranchial chamber, takes place following exposure.
Evaluation of recovery in certain hematological and biochemical parameters of the economically important catfish C. batrachus (L.) following withdrawal of arsenic exposure
(Kluwer Academic Publishers, 2012) Randhir Kumar; Tarun Kumar Banerjee
To evaluate the extent of recovery of arsenic stress in specimens of Clarias batrachus pre-exposed to 1.0 mg L-1 sodium arsenite for 60 days were returned to clean tap water for another period of 90 days. The quantity of arsenic accumulation in the blood became almost half and recovery in hematological parameters was slow but extensive. Activities of four different biomarker enzymes alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lipid peroxidase (LPO) were substantially above the untreated control levels perhaps due to partial recovery and significant regeneration of the vital organs systems due to withdrawal of the arsenic stress. Eventhough the amounts of different serum biomolecules also showed significant restoration they could not reach the levels of untreated control fish. Incomplete revival was also indicated by three other marker enzymes (glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase) which although showed increased activities but were substantially below the untreated control levels. © 2012 Korean Society of Environmental Risk Assessment and Health Science and Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.
Functional organization of the skin of the 'Green-puffer fish'Tetraodon fluviatilis (Ham.-Buch.) (Tetraodontidae, Pisces)
(Springer-Verlag, 1976) Ajay Kumar Mittal; Tarun Kumar Banerjee
The present study concerns the functional organization of the skin of Tetraodon fluviatilis. The epidermis consists of five different types of cells - the flask-shaped mucous cells, the eosinophilic granular cells, the sacciform granulated cells, the vesicle containing granulated cells, and the polygonal cells. A thin noncellular layer, the cuticle found on the surface of the skin, is probably secreted from the polygonal cells in the outermost layer of the epidermis. A,well-defined lymphatic plexus exists between the cells of the basal layer. Numerous triradiate calcareous spines are embedded within elastic connective tissue pockets in the thick dermis. These pockets are filled with an amorphous, acellular, PAS positive material, and are richly supplied with fine blood capillaries. A histomorphologic basis for the erection of the spines and various structural modifications in the skin facilitating its enormous stretching under inflated conditions of the fish are discussed. © 1976 Springer-Verlag.
Histochemistry of the epidermis of the Chequered water snake Natrix piscator (Colubridae, Squamata)
(1978) Tarun Kumar Banerjee; Ajay Kumar Mittal
Various histochemical techniques have been employed to distinguish the different cell layers within the epidermal generations of Natrix piscator. The oberhautchen and the thin superficial areas of the beta‐layer contain both alpha‐ and beta‐keratins and give moderate reactions with Papanicolaou's stain for keratin, for protein bound NH 2 groups, basic proteins, and calcium; strong reaction for cysteine bound sulphydryl (SH) groups and very strong reaction for disulphide (SS) bonds of cystine. The remaining bulk of the beta‐layer gives weak reactions with Papanicolaou's stain for keratin, for NH 2 groups, basic proteins, SH groups and SS bonds. The mesos and the alpha‐layers stain strongly with Papanicolaou's stain for keratin, for NH 2 groups, basic proteins, sulphydryl groups and calcium, and weakly for mucopolysaccharides. The mesos layer also gives strong reactions for disulphide bonds and might contain both alpha‐ and beta‐keratins. The cells of the lacunar tissue are metabolically active as indicated by their normal nuclei and positive reaction for RNA. These cells contain granular glycogen, small amounts of acid mucopolysaccharides, NH 2 and sulphydryl groups. The underlying layer of clear cells remain weakly or almost unstained with various histochemical techniques. The inner generation could roughly be divided into two layers–the presumptive beta‐layer and the presumptive alpha‐layer. High RNA contents in the presumptive beta cells indicate the active polymerization of keratin in this layer. These cells give weak reactions for protein bound NH, groups, basic proteins, SH groups and calcium. The remaining cells of the inner generation are not easily distinguished and contain small amounts of RNA. The differentiation of outer and inner generation in the hinge region is not clear. The thin outer oberhautchen and the beta‐layer give very weak reactions for NH, groups, SS bonds, SH groups and calcium and stain orange‐red with Papanicolaou's stain, bluish‐black with Verhoeff's elastin stain and pinkish red with Mallory's triple stain. The alpha‐layer resembles in its staining properties the alpha‐layer of the scale region. A large number of eosinophilic granular cells could be observed in the lower layers of the epidermis, especially in the hinge region and in the dermis. Copyright © 1978, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved
Histopathological analysis of acute toxicity of zinc chloride on the respiratory organs of air-breathing catfish Heteropneustes (Saccobranchus) fossilis (Bloch)
(1997) Suseelathankachy Hemalatha; Tarun Kumar Banerjee
Histopathological analysis of acute zinc chloride toxicity (75 ppm: 96 h LC50 value) to accessory respiratory organs (ARO) and gills of Heteropneustes fossilis shows that the exposure causes severe toxicopathological damage to both these respiratory organs, although only the gills come into direct contact with the ambient xenobiotic. The ARO becomes affected via the circulatory system. The mucous cells of these two tissues show the earliest toxic manifestation in the form of periodic fluctuations in their density, as well as staining properties. The marked toxicopathological alterations in the ARO include periodic necrosis and sloughing off of the respiratory epithelium, leading to haemorrhage and lamellar deformity, followed by their regeneration and hyperplasia. However, the lamellar elements re-differentiate on each occasion from the focal inflammatory tissues. Deposition of a large quantity of glycogen in the muscles is also indicative of disturbed aerial respiration. Damage to gills include periodic lifting of the respiratory epithelium, followed by its sloughing, vacuolization and extensive fusion of secondary lamellae, resulting in reduced respiratory area. Uncontrolled hyperplasia of epithelial cells following regeneration also increases gas diffusion distance. Certain similarities in the histopathological manifestations in these two tissues are possibly due to their common embryonic origin. Hence, the study of the histopathology of ARO of exposed Heteropneustes fossilis can also be used as a potential bioindicator to monitor altered water quality.
Histopathological analysis of sublethal toxicity induced by lead nitrate to the accessory respiratory organs of the air-breathing teleost, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch)
(1999) Ram Sanehi Parashar; Tarun Kumar Banerjee
Toxicity of sublethal concentration of lead nitrate solution (92.5 ppm: 10 % of 96 h LC50) causes severe damages to the air-breathing organs (ABO) of Heteropneustes fossilis leading to its asphyxiation and death. The prominent damages included haemorrhage into the lumen following necrosis and sloughing of the respiratory epithelium. The RBCs lysed, degenerated and often got accumulated in the lumen causing their decreased density. A large number of blood vessels (BV) appeared in the sub-epithelial connective tissue. Frequently, individual cells from the inner lining of these BV showed pinocytosis and shed into the lumen. Periodic fluctuations in the density of the mucous cells which start staining for sulphated mucopolysaccharides were also observed at various stages of exposure.
Histopathological analysis of the respiratory organs of Channa striata subjected to air exposure
(2004) Sunita Chandra; Tarun Kumar Banerjee
Effects of air exposure on the respiratory organs of Channa striata possessing bimodal respiration for exploitation of water (via gills and skin) as well as air (through air - breathing organs - suprabranchial chamber, ABOs) have been investigated. On air exposure the fish survived for 8 h. Following air exposure the fine, thin-walled blood capillaries (BLCs) at the surface of the ABO swelled and bulged out due to congestion when the blood came very close to air in the lumen. In the initial periods, mucous cells (MCs) of all three respiratory organs showed periodic fluctuations in their density and staining properties and stain for sulphated moieties known to hold an additional quantity of water. The sub-epithelial connective tissues of the ABO and skin also contained a large quantity of sulphated mucopolysaccharides. Subsequently, severe wear and tear and sloughing leading to haemorrhage took place from the skin. The outer cellular layers of the epidermis sloughed off. The density of sacciform-granulated cells (SGCs) increased and stained strongly with PAS technique (almost negative in controls). Air exposure also caused extensive damage in the gills. In the initial periods the BLCs showed severe congestion, causing extensive bulging and protrusion onto the surface. Later, the epithelial linings of gill filaments (PL) as well as respiratory lamellae (SL) were detached and lifted up. Subsequently, the neighbouring SL fused, causing decreased surface area, thereby reducing the efficiency of gills. The ladder-like arrangements of the pillar cells - blood capillaries (PLCs-BLCs) also collapsed. PAS-positive materials appeared within these PLCs. Subsequently, the BLCs dilated and showed congestion. The RBCs of gills also showed PAS staining. Athin layer of sulphated slime often covered the respiratory epithelia. Prior to death of the fish, the cells of the gills degenerated extensively. Thus, air exposure also prevented normal branchial respiration and the fish died due to anoxia and other physiological disorders.
Histopathological studies on the repair of the excised skin wounds of the air-breathing scalyfish Channa striata (Bloch)
(1999) Tarun Kumar Banerjee; Ajay Kumar Mittal
Regeneration and repair of excised wounds in the skin of the scalyfish Channa striata have been studied. The present investigation revealed that regeneration processes in fishes vary greatly from that of mammals. Following injury in the skin of C. striata, the free borders of the wounds retract and within an hour, the areas surrounding the wound become very dark. The normal shade is however, restored after 24 h. A mass movement of the epidermis towards the wound gap starts at about 2 h, which results in the epithelialization of the wound gap within 4 to 6 h. This is in contrast to dry mammalian skin where the granulation tissue appears first and the epithelialization takes place quite late and new epithelial cells are produced due to mitotic division of the cells of the stratum germinativum of the epidermis. Subsequently the thickness of the epidermis covering the wound gap in C. striata rapidly increases due to hyperplasia of the polygonal epithelial cells. Later, the epidermis gets equipped with numerous sac-like goblet mucous cells which lay a copious amount of slime on the newly regenerated epidermis for protecting the underlying damaged tissue components. At about 16 h, numerous ionocytes appear in the epidermis covering the wound gap, playing active roles in maintaining the normal osmotic equilibrium. The epidermis gradually becomes thinner with the development of scales in the underlying tissues and appears normal by 20 days. The denuded muscle bundles in the wound gap start disintegrating soon (30 min) after the lesions are made and by 4-5 days are replaced by the granulation tissue. With the initiation of disintegration of the denuded muscle bundles, an amorphous PAS positive substance appears in the wound gap, the quantity of which gradually increases and reaches its maximum within 6-10 h when the muscle bundles show maximum vacuolization and attenuation. The process of fibre formation in the granulation tissue begins at about 5 days; simultaneously myoblasts appear at the level of old muscle bundles and start differentiating into new muscle fibres. The appearance of melanophores and leukocytes in the regenerating tissues has been correlated with the local defence mechanism of the newly formed epidermis. The pigment cells also appear in the sub-epidermal granulation tissue. Later, the outer layer of the granulation tissue gets differentiated into stratum laxum with the formation of numerous fat cells, the scales, and the inner layer into stratum compactum which shows the appearance of compactly arranged connective tissue fibres and the fibroblasts. Differentiation of fat cells also takes place at the level of the subcutis. The wounds get completely repaired within 35 days and unlike in mammals leave no scar or scab of the wound on the surface of the skin.
Impact of Sodium Arsenite on Certain Biomolecules of Nutritional Importance on the Edible Components of the Economically Important Catfish C. batrachus (Linn.)
(2012) Randhir Kumar; Tarun Kumar Banerjee
The toxicity of sublethal concentration (1 mg/L; 5% of 96hLC 50 value) of sodium arsenite (NaAsO 2) for 60 days on certain biomolecules (proteins, lipids, and water) of five vital organ systems (muscles, liver, brain, skin, and gills) of Clarias batrachus were analyzed to evaluate the damage rendered to the food value of the fish. Arsenic disturbs the equilibrium existing between these nutritionally important macromolecules in all the organ systems. These tissues showed marked fluctuations in their protein (1.56 ± 0.79% in gills to 4.46 ± 1.54% in muscles), lipid (1.79 ± 0.89% in skins to 4.81 ± 1.15% in brain tissue) and water contents (65.84 ± 1.01% in brain to 78.66 ± 0.37% in gills). © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.
Phytoremediation of the coalmine effluent
(2012) Sandhya Bharti; Tarun Kumar Banerjee
Coal mine effluent was subjected to detoxification by phytoremediation using two macrophytes Azolla pinnata and Lemna minor. Both plants were kept separately in the effluents for 7 day. The initial concentration (mgL-1) of eight metals: Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, Cr and Cd investigated in the effluent were 22.91±0.02, 9.61±1.6, 2.04±0.23, 1.03±0.15, 0.86±0.19, 0.69±0.11, 0.18±0.007 and 0.06±0.008 respectively. The initial fresh biomass of each plant was 100g. After one week, metals removed in A. pinnata-phytoremediated effluent were in the order: Mn (98%)>Fe (95.4%)>Zn (95%)>Cu (93%)>Pb (86.9%)>Cd (85%)>Cr (77.7%)>Ni (66.2%) and metal decrease in L. minor-phytoremediated effluent were: Mn (99.5%)>Cu (98.8%)>Zn (96.7%)>Ni (94.5%)>Fe (93.1%)>Cd (86.7%)>Pb (84%)>Cr (76%). Due to metal toxicity the total chlorophyll and protein contents of L. minor decreased by 29.3% and 38.55% respectively. The decrease of these macromolecules in A. pinnata was 27% and 15.56% respectively. Also, the reduction in biomass of L. minor was greater than that for A. pinnata. Based on the finding we could suggest that both the plants are suitable for bioremediation of mine effluent at the contaminated sites. However, attention for quick disposal of these metal loaded plants is urgently required. © 2012 Elsevier Inc.
Response of aerial respiratory organs of the air-breathing catfish Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) to extreme stress of desiccation
(1999) Ram Sanehi Parashar; Tarun Kumar Banerjee
Histopathological alterations caused by desiccation stress in the aerial (accessory) respiratory organs (ARO) of Heteropneustes fossilis which has a developed bimodal respiratory mechanism for exploitation of water (through its gills) as well as air (through its ARO) have been described. The ARO assist the fish in surviving extreme drought conditions. When out of water, even though the fish survive for about 16 h, their air sacs suffer extensive damage. In the initial stages the fish very frequently open their mouths to gulp in more air. The blood channels of secondary lamellae of the ARO, engorged with ridged blood channels, exhibit extensive protrusion into the lumen where they form a network of very thin-walled tube-like structures. Prolonged desiccation causes wear and tear to these greatly extended blood channels, leading to haemorrhaging into the lumen. Simultaneously, from the blind ends of the ARO, many of the ridges approach very close to each other and finally meet, leaving no free respiratory surface in the lumen to breathe aerially, ultimately resulting in failure of aerial respiration and the demise of the fish.