Sub-acute effects of copper oxide nanoparticles on enzymes and hematological parameters of the juvenile beluga (Huso huso)

The widespread application of nanotechnology in industries, especially the Caspian Sea region and infiltration of them through industrial sewage to the aquatic environment cause concerns for human health and the aquatic organisms. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the acute toxicity and effects of copper oxide nanoparticles on some enzymes and hematological factors of the Caspian juvenile beluga as a valuable species. Juvenile beluga with an average weight of 40±5 gr were prepared and after determination of the lethal concentration, were exposed to 20% of LC50-96h of CuO nanoparticles and control for 14 days in three replicates. Then the juveniles blood were sampled after 24, 48, 72, 96 hours and 7, 14 days and hematological factors, total protein, glucose, cortisol and enzymes in blood serum were examined. The number of red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit and lymphocytes were decreased and the total number of white blood cells and neutrophils were significantly increased under CuO treatment (P<0/05). Analysis of ALT،ALP, LDH and AST enzymes activity showed significant increase compared to control (P <0.05). Furthermore, the levels of glucose and total protein in the most of the treatment and levels of cortisol only after 14 days treatment were significantly increased when compared to control(P <0.05). Due to significant changes in the most of the parameters compared to the control, it can be concluded that the concentration of CuO NPs used for Juvenile beluga have negative effects on its health.