Evaluation of Oxidative Stress Enzymes of Spawn and Fry of Clarias batrachus (Linn. 1758) Exposed to Artificial UV-B Radiation: A Biomarker Analysis

The present study investigated the impact of the artificial exposure of UV-B radiation, based on different time span and intervals, on spawn and fry of Clarias batrachus at the level of oxidative stress enzymes. The spawn and fry of C. batrachus were exposed for time span of 5 and 10 days at a duration of 5, 10 and 15 min per day. The specific growth rate (SGR%), weight gain (%WG) and oxidative stress enzymes, i.e., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), protein carbonyl (CP), nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and trypsin were analysed. The specific growth rate and the per cent weight gain of spawn and fry of C. batrachus were decreased as compared to control. The results of the oxidative stress enzymes, viz., SOD, CAT, GSH and NOS were decreased in both spawn and fry of C. batrachus in comparison to control. CP values were increased for both the spawn and fry as compared to control. Trypsin in spawn and fry decreased gradually. This study has been able to explore the impact of UV -B exposure on spawn and fry of C. batrachus in regard to these oxidative stress enzymes, which can be established as biomarkers in monitoring the UV-B radiation pollution. Finally, it infers that the harmful radiations may cause deterioration in fish health as well as yield, so, UV-B radiation becomes a major concern to the aquaculture industry, especially, with regard to sustainable fish production.