Effect of an organophosphorous pesticide (Dimethoate) on oxygen consumption of the fish Tilapia mossambica

Abstract

Impact of sublethal concentrations of pesticide Dimethoate on oxygen consumption of Tilapia mossambica is reported. The rate of oxygen consumption of the fish was studied under the concentrations of 0.15ppm, 0.2ppm,0.3ppm and 0.6ppm under 1/20,1/15,1/10, and 1/5   of sublethal concentration respectively during the 24,48,72 and 96 hours of exposure.The initial elevation in the oxygen consumption could be explained in terms of acceleration of oxidative metabolism during the initial hours of exposure, as a result of sudden response to the toxic stimulus of pesticide. The present study reveals that the pesticide dimethoate is toxic to the fish, Tilapia mossambica and even low concentration of dimethoate stress create respiratory disturbance which ultimately leads to the deterioration of general health of the fish