Study of Serum Cholinesterase levels in fish Clarias batrachus (Linn.) exposed to pesticides carbaryl and phorate.

Study of the Serum Cholinesterase levels (SchE) in the freshwater catfish Clarias batrachus when exposed to sub lethal dose of pesticides phorate and carbamate, was attempted in this paper. SchE levels decreased in the fish exposed to both the pesticides, the depletion being more pronounced with phorate. These results can be due to impairment of nervous system, liver damage as well as myocardial infarction. Similar findings were not only reported in experimental organisms but also found in human beings working in agricultural fields and pesticide manufacturing plants. Hence it is imperative that suitable occupational health and preventive measures need to be undertaken.