Evaluation of genotoxicity of profenofos to freshwater fish Channa punctatus (Bloch) using the micronucleus assay

The present study investigates the genotoxicity of profenofos (PFF), an organophosphate pesticide in erythrocyte cells of freshwater fish, Channa punctata (Bloch) using micronucleus assay. The 96 h LC50 value of PFF (50% EC) was estimated for the fish species in a semistatic system and then 50% of LC50 was determined as 1.15 ppb. The fish specimens were exposed to 1.15 ppb sublethal concentration of the pesticide and samplings were done on 24, 48, 72 and 96 h post exposure for assessment of DNA damage by micronucleus assay. The study confirms that PFF is toxic for aquatic organism and the micronucleus assay is a useful tool in determining the potential genotoxicity and mutagenicity of xenobiotic compounds and can be considered as sensitive parameter for toxicity monitoring program.Keywords: Genotoxicity, profenofos, Channa punctatus, DNA damage, micronucleus assay.African Journal of Biotechnology, Vol 13(39) 3985-398