Effects of chronic exposure to carbamazepine on hematological parameters in Cyprinus carpio

Tests on pysicochemical parameters in the recent years have confirmed the existence of drug residues and their metabolites in different parts of aquatic environments the permanent release of which has led to micro-persistent pollution. The drugs are designed in a way to be chemically stable, resistant to degradation and to survive by using their biological effects on the organisms. In the present research study, toxicity and the effect of carbamazepine on Cyprinus carpio was examined using blood responses. Thus, the effects of three different concentrations of carbamazepine (1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg L-1) on the changes of blood factors such as red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), mean cellular volume (MCV), mean cellular hemoglobin (MCH), mean cellular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), white blood cell (WBC), lymphocyte (Lymph), neutrophil (Neut) and monocyte (Mono) were studied on blood samples collected on days 7, 14 and 21 after exposure to the drug. The results showed that RBC, WBC and lymph counts were reduced in fishes treated with carbamazepine (CBZ). In contrast, the value of Hb, Hct, MCV, MCH, Neut and Mono were increased after exposure to carbamazepine. No significant difference was observed in the MCHC levels in all concentrations. Changes in hematological parameters can act as a biomarker in testing the toxicity of CBZ in aquatic environments. However, detailed studies regarding the application of special biomarkers for assessing human drugs is required.