Abstract:
Aquatic environments are largely populated with antibiotics because they are widely used in veterinary. This has led to worries over the possible effects of antibiotics on aquatic creatures and their health. Commonly used antibiotic sulfamethoxazole has been found in aquatic systems all over the world, but little is known about how it affects fish, especially about oxidative stress. The toxicity potential of SMX was evaluated in this study using grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon Idella) as the bioindicator. The effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of 100, 400, and 800 μg/L of SMX over 24 and 72 hours were measured based on their chronic toxicity. This thesis aims to investigate the bioaccumulation and oxidative stress potential of sulfamethoxazole in edible fish using HPLC and UV analysis techniques. The study involved exposure of edible fish to environmentally relevant and gradually increasing concentrations of sulfamethoxazole over 24 and 72 hours. UV analysis measured CAT, GST, and GSH enzyme activity in fish tissues, revealing significant impacts of sulfamethoxazole exposure on enzyme activity and oxidative stress. HPLC determined the bioaccumulation of sulfamethoxazole, indicating potential biomagnification in aquatic food webs. Statistical analysis compared exposed and control groups, highlighting the importance of understanding sulfamethoxazole-induced oxidative stress for ecosystem health and human consumption of contaminated fish.
