Evaluation of Sub Lethal Concentration Toxicity of Silver Nitrate (AgNO3) on Some of Hematology and Immunology Indices in Goldfish (Carassius Auratus)

Todays, due to the antibacterial properties, silver compounds are used in various industries. The effects of non-essential heavy metals such as silver are irreversible in aquatics body. In the present study, the sub lethal effects of silver nitrate were investigated on hematological and immunological indices of goldfish (Carassius auratus) as a model in the Cyprinid fishes. 

105 Fish were randomly assigned to in 15 fiberglass tanks (Per tanks 400 liters). 12 tank for different concentrations of silver nitrate and 3 tank for control groups. Each treatment was separately exposed to effective concentrations of silver nitrate 0.01, 0.025, 0.05 and 0.1 ppm and for hematological and biochemical test, 9 fish were randomly selected from each treatment.

The results showed that different concentrations of silver nitrate affected (reduce) blood erythrocyte (P>0.05) but did not affect blood leukocyte.

These resultsmay be due to the resistance of the Goldfish compared to others and blood erythrocyte indices can be used as a suitable biomarker of silver pollution.