Impacts of sublethal lead exposure on the hemato-immunological parameters in tilapia ( Oreochromis mossambicus )

The effects of exposure of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) to sublethal concentrations of lead on hematological and immunological parameters were investigated. The fish were semistatically exposed to low (L) (0.5 mg L−1), medium (M) (2.5 mg L−1), and high (H) (5 mg L−1) lead concentrations for 14 days. At the end of the trial, red blood cell (RBC) count, hematocrit (Hct) ratio and hemoglobin levels showed significant decreases in M and H groups, while RBC was significantly increased in L group compared to control group. Lysozyme activity showed a decrease in all groups on day 14 compared to control. A decrease in myeloperoxidase activity was seen in M and H groups on day 7, and in all treatment groups on day 14. In conclusion, it was found that exposure of O. mossambicus to lead concentrations affected hematological and immunogical parameters adversely.