Assessment of endosulfan induced genotoxicity and mutagenicity manifested by oxidative stress pathways in freshwater cyprinid fish crucian carp (Carassius carassius L.)

[Display omitted] •Endosulfan induces mutagenesis; water contamination can be detected by DLLME, followed by GC–MS.•Micronucleus and chromosomal assays are sensitive biological biomarkers of aquatic pollutants.•Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), an efficient tool for authenticating the genetic damage.•Mechanism of genotoxicity potential of endosulfan appears to be manifested by oxidative stress pathways.•Integrated studies in fish model may be useful for regulatory agencies entrusted with rational use of pesticides. Over the past few decades, endosulfan, one of the polychlorinated pesticides still in use, has received considerable attention of a number of international regulations and restriction action plans worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the cytogenetic effects of endosulfan using robust genotoxicity assays, along with the oxidative stress pathways in order to understand biochemical mechanism, in Carassius carassius L. The LC50–96h (95% confidence limits) value of endosulfan was 0.070 (0.046–0.093) ppm; and on its basis three test concentrations (sub-lethal I: 0.052, II: 0.035 and III: 0.017ppm) were selected for 35d in vivo exposure. The mean concentration of endosulfan in aquaria was always constant, when analyzed by dispersive liquid–liquid micro extraction (DLLME) followed by GC–MS. Autopsy was done on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 of endosulfan exposure; the micronucleus formation (MN), authenticated by scanning electron microscopy, and chromosomal aberrations (CA), were induced significantly (p