Change of growth performance, hematological parameters, and plasma component by hexavalent chromium exposure in starry flounder, Platichthys stellatus

The study investigated the changes in growth performance, hematological parameters, plasma components, and stress indicators of juvenile starry flounder, Platichthys stellatus, depending on varying exposure to hexavalent chromium. P. stellatus was exposed to waterborne chromium at 0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 ppb for 4 weeks. The result showed that Cr exposure resulted in decreased daily length gain (DLG), daily weight gain (DWG), condition factor (CF), and hepatosomatic index (HIS) in P. stellatus. In terms of hematological parameters, red blood cell (RBC) count, hematocrit (Ht), and hemoglobin (Hb) significantly decreased at 400 ppb after 2 weeks. In terms of plasma components, inorganic analysis was unchanged and cholesterol, an organic component, considerably increased at 400 ppb after 4 weeks. Plasma enzyme components including glutamic oxalate transaminase (GOT) and glutamic pyruvate transaminase (GPT) were significantly increased. Stress indicators such as cortisol and glucose were notably increased over 100 ppb after 4 weeks with increasing chromium concentration. The results indicate that exposure to waterborne Cr induced toxic effects on growth, hematological parameters, plasma components, and stress indicators. Keywords: Starry flounder, Hexavalent chromium, Growth, Hematological parameters, Stress