Published Paper Details:

Fishes were exposed to the maximum allowable concentration value of red mud waste extract for a period of 30days to study the impact of the lechate waste. The MAC value deduced from the toxicity test was 3.1 % of waste extract (WE) in 50 liters of water for 30 days. Lethargicity was noticed in the contaminated fish on the first day of introduction of the toxicant, waste extract. Gradual onset of inactivity and loss of equilibrium was marked in WE exposed fish compared to control fish. Reddening of eye and whole body was noted in the WE exposed fish. The sodium ion and potassium ion content significantly decreased in brain, liver and muscle tissues of the red mud waste extract exposed fishes. The muscle showed the highest percent decrease in sodium ion content, when compared to liver and brain tissues of the waste extract exposed fish. The muscle tissue of the exposed fish was significantly affected than brain and liver tissues of the RMWE exposed fishes except in magnesium ion where it was least affected. Significant depletion was noted in potassium ion content of the exposed fish tissues. The red mud waste extract which is equivalent to the lechate leaking from the red mud pond is highly toxic and affects the fish. Decrease in ion content in different tissues of the waste extract (Red Mud Waste Extract / lechate from red mud pond) exposed fishes indicated the intensity of the toxicant, waste extract. The cause of lethargicity and imbalance in the movement of the waste extract exposed fishes compared to control fish was due to the toxicant used for the study.