Impact of linear alkyl benzene sulphonate (LAS) on phosphatase activity intestis of the teleostean fish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch).

Fishes are sensitive indicators of pollutants present in water. These pollu tants cause various physical and physiological alterations in fishes. In th e present work alteration in the activity of acid and alkaline phosphatase was evaluated in testicular tissue of fresh water fish Heteropneustes fossi lis exposed to LC,, value of linear alkyl benzene sulphonate (LAS) for diff erent exposure periods (24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h] With increase in the con centration of chemical LAS, the activity of acid phosphatase (ACP) was repo rted elevated while a significant fall in the activity of alkaline phosphat ase (ACP) was recorded for same exposure period. Elevated activity of ACP, one of the important hydrolases of lysosomes, is quite suggestive of bringi ng about gross necrosis and dysarchitecture. ALP is involved in various met abolic activities including gonadal maturation and as such decreased activi ty of this enzyme is definitely one of the important causative factors for reproductive impairment of the fish.