The Effects of Chronic Low Level Zinc (Zn) Exposure on the Hematological Profile of Tench, Tinca tinca L., 1758

Fish, Tinca tinca were exposed to chronic low levels of zinc (2 mg/L, 10% of 96h LC50) for 3, 10 and 20 days respectively and its hematological parameters were studied. It was found that Clotting time (CT), Thrombocyte count (TC), Red blood cell (RBC) counts, Hematocrit (Hct), Hemoglobin (Hb), Sedimentation rate (SR), White blood cell (WBC) count and Leucocrit (Lct) did not show a significant difference in 3 and 10 days chronic exposures. However, a significant increase in Clotting time, Sedimentation rate and White blood cell (WBC) count and significant decrease in Thrombocyte count and Hemoglobin were observed in 20 days exposure (P<0.05).

Keywords: Blood, Chronic, Exposure, Fish, Heavy metal, Stress, Tinca tinca, Zinc.