Acute toxicological impacts of copper in mud crab Scylla serrata by comprehensive biochemical, enzymatic, genotoxicity and histological assessments

Abstract This study comprehensively analyses copper toxicity in Scylla serrata (mud crab) at enzymatic, biochemical, genotoxicity and histological assessments. The acute toxicity effects of heavy metal copper exposure on Scylla serrata were analysed, and the LC₅₀ concentration of copper at 96 h was identified as 0.52mg/L, which indicates moderately stronger sensitivity of Scylla serrata to copper. The acute copper exposure to Scylla serrata induces oxidative stress eventually activating the antioxidant enzymes as a primary defense. Acute copper exposure leads to DNA fragmentation and induces genotoxicity in Scylla serrata, adversely affecting the organism. The copper toxicity poses an increased risk in mud crab culture, leading to reduced survival rates, impaired growth and eventually impacting economic sustainability and consumer health risks. These findings provide a rare comprehensive assessment of acute copper toxicity in Scylla serrata, bridging gaps in the existing literature. Our findings highlight potential threats to aquaculture systems, economic sustainability, food safety and urge for stricter monitoring of heavy metal contaminations in aquacultural farms.