Histological changes in the liver of reared spotted scat (Scatophagus argus L.) after exposure to mercury

The toxic effects of mercury (Hg) on the histology of the liver of reared spotted scat ( Scatophagus argus L.) were investigated. The experiment was conducted to identify the effect of metal concentrations and exposure period on degrees and nature of histological changes in the liver of exposed fish. Selected fish were exposed to 10, 20, and 30 μg L −1 concentrations of mercury over short-term exposure period. Similar histological changes occurred in the livers of specimens exposed to 10, 20, and 30 μg L −1 concentrations, indicating a definite toxic response to all metal concentrations. These histological changes included hyalinization, hepatocyte vacuolation, cellular swelling, necrosis, vacuolar degeneration, and congestion of blood vessels. The intensity of these histological changes was, however, influenced by the extent of the exposure period.