Assessment of Acute Ammonia Stress on Growth Performance, Hematological, Serological, and Histopathological Changes in Grass Carp (<i>Ctenopharyngodon Idella</i>)

Muhammad Waqas; Sami Ur Rahman; Razia Bashir; Luqman Ali; Abdul Muhsin; Hamid Ullah; Muhammad Tayyab; Shahdiar Khan; Humera Ambreen

doi:doi:10.11648/j.aff.20251403.15

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Assessment of Acute Ammonia Stress on Growth Performance, Hematological, Serological, and Histopathological Changes in Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon Idella)

Muhammad Waqas^*

, Sami Ur Rahman

, Razia Bashir, Luqman Ali

, Abdul Muhsin

, Hamid Ullah

, Muhammad Tayyab

, Shahdiar Khan

, Humera Ambreen

Published in Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Volume 14, Issue 3)

Received: 5 February 2025 Accepted: 9 May 2025 Published: 18 June 2025

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Abstract

Background: Fish are a vital source of high-energy nutrition, especially for economically disadvantaged populations. Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), prized for their quality meat, are widely consumed worldwide including in Pakistan. However, environmental ammonia pollution from aquaculture poses significant risks to their health, impacting physiological functions, growth, and survival. Understanding ammonia toxicity is crucial for sustainable aquaculture and environmental protection. Objectives: This research aimed to investigate the toxicity of ammonium hydroxide on the growth, hematological parameters, and histopathological changes in gills of grass carp. Methods: Grass carp were exposed to various concentrations of ammonium hydroxide (0, 1, 1.5, and 2 mg/L) for a duration of 14 days in glass aquaria. Growth performance, hematological parameters (including Hb, RBC, MCHC, WBC, MCV, MCH, and cholesterol levels), and serological parameters (such as bilirubin, creatinine, uric acid, SGPT, and alkaline phosphate) were assessed. Histopathological analysis of the gills was conducted to observe any abnormalities. Results: The results revealed that increased concentrations of ammonium hydroxide led to retarded growth in grass carp, with the lowest growth rate observed in the experimental group exposed to 2 mg/L of ammonium hydroxide and the highest growth rate in the control group (0 mg/L). Hematological parameters indicated a significant decrease in Hb, RBC, MCHC, and WBC counts with increasing levels of ammonium hydroxide, while MCV, MCH, and cholesterol levels increased. Serological parameters showed elevated levels of bilirubin, creatinine, uric acid, SGPT (ALT), and alkaline phosphate with increasing ammonium hydroxide concentrations. Histopathological analysis of the gills revealed significant effects, including chloride cell hyperplasia, sideway swimming, hyperemia, epithelial lifting, curling of secondary lamellae, lamellar fusion, and shortening of secondary lamellae.

Published in	Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Volume 14, Issue 3)
DOI	10.11648/j.aff.20251403.15
Page(s)	118-125
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Grass Carp, Ammonium Hydroxide Stress, Growth, Hematology, Gills Histology

References

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APA Style

Waqas, M., Rahman, S. U., Bashir, R., Ali, L., Muhsin, A., et al. (2025). Assessment of Acute Ammonia Stress on Growth Performance, Hematological, Serological, and Histopathological Changes in Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon Idella). Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, 14(3), 118-125. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.20251403.15

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ACS Style

Waqas, M.; Rahman, S. U.; Bashir, R.; Ali, L.; Muhsin, A., et al. Assessment of Acute Ammonia Stress on Growth Performance, Hematological, Serological, and Histopathological Changes in Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon Idella). Agric. For. Fish. 2025, 14(3), 118-125. doi: 10.11648/j.aff.20251403.15

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AMA Style

Waqas M, Rahman SU, Bashir R, Ali L, Muhsin A, et al. Assessment of Acute Ammonia Stress on Growth Performance, Hematological, Serological, and Histopathological Changes in Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon Idella). Agric For Fish. 2025;14(3):118-125. doi: 10.11648/j.aff.20251403.15

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@article{10.11648/j.aff.20251403.15,
  author = {Muhammad Waqas and Sami Ur Rahman and Razia Bashir and Luqman Ali and Abdul Muhsin and Hamid Ullah and Muhammad Tayyab and Shahdiar Khan and Humera Ambreen},
  title = {Assessment of Acute Ammonia Stress on Growth Performance, Hematological, Serological, and Histopathological Changes in Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon Idella)
},
  journal = {Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries},
  volume = {14},
  number = {3},
  pages = {118-125},
  doi = {10.11648/j.aff.20251403.15},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.20251403.15},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.aff.20251403.15},
  abstract = {Background: Fish are a vital source of high-energy nutrition, especially for economically disadvantaged populations. Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), prized for their quality meat, are widely consumed worldwide including in Pakistan. However, environmental ammonia pollution from aquaculture poses significant risks to their health, impacting physiological functions, growth, and survival. Understanding ammonia toxicity is crucial for sustainable aquaculture and environmental protection. Objectives: This research aimed to investigate the toxicity of ammonium hydroxide on the growth, hematological parameters, and histopathological changes in gills of grass carp. Methods: Grass carp were exposed to various concentrations of ammonium hydroxide (0, 1, 1.5, and 2 mg/L) for a duration of 14 days in glass aquaria. Growth performance, hematological parameters (including Hb, RBC, MCHC, WBC, MCV, MCH, and cholesterol levels), and serological parameters (such as bilirubin, creatinine, uric acid, SGPT, and alkaline phosphate) were assessed. Histopathological analysis of the gills was conducted to observe any abnormalities. Results: The results revealed that increased concentrations of ammonium hydroxide led to retarded growth in grass carp, with the lowest growth rate observed in the experimental group exposed to 2 mg/L of ammonium hydroxide and the highest growth rate in the control group (0 mg/L). Hematological parameters indicated a significant decrease in Hb, RBC, MCHC, and WBC counts with increasing levels of ammonium hydroxide, while MCV, MCH, and cholesterol levels increased. Serological parameters showed elevated levels of bilirubin, creatinine, uric acid, SGPT (ALT), and alkaline phosphate with increasing ammonium hydroxide concentrations. Histopathological analysis of the gills revealed significant effects, including chloride cell hyperplasia, sideway swimming, hyperemia, epithelial lifting, curling of secondary lamellae, lamellar fusion, and shortening of secondary lamellae.
},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Assessment of Acute Ammonia Stress on Growth Performance, Hematological, Serological, and Histopathological Changes in Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon Idella)

AU  - Muhammad Waqas
AU  - Sami Ur Rahman
AU  - Razia Bashir
AU  - Luqman Ali
AU  - Abdul Muhsin
AU  - Hamid Ullah
AU  - Muhammad Tayyab
AU  - Shahdiar Khan
AU  - Humera Ambreen
Y1  - 2025/06/18
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.20251403.15
DO  - 10.11648/j.aff.20251403.15
T2  - Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
JF  - Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
JO  - Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
SP  - 118
EP  - 125
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-5648
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.20251403.15
AB  - Background: Fish are a vital source of high-energy nutrition, especially for economically disadvantaged populations. Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), prized for their quality meat, are widely consumed worldwide including in Pakistan. However, environmental ammonia pollution from aquaculture poses significant risks to their health, impacting physiological functions, growth, and survival. Understanding ammonia toxicity is crucial for sustainable aquaculture and environmental protection. Objectives: This research aimed to investigate the toxicity of ammonium hydroxide on the growth, hematological parameters, and histopathological changes in gills of grass carp. Methods: Grass carp were exposed to various concentrations of ammonium hydroxide (0, 1, 1.5, and 2 mg/L) for a duration of 14 days in glass aquaria. Growth performance, hematological parameters (including Hb, RBC, MCHC, WBC, MCV, MCH, and cholesterol levels), and serological parameters (such as bilirubin, creatinine, uric acid, SGPT, and alkaline phosphate) were assessed. Histopathological analysis of the gills was conducted to observe any abnormalities. Results: The results revealed that increased concentrations of ammonium hydroxide led to retarded growth in grass carp, with the lowest growth rate observed in the experimental group exposed to 2 mg/L of ammonium hydroxide and the highest growth rate in the control group (0 mg/L). Hematological parameters indicated a significant decrease in Hb, RBC, MCHC, and WBC counts with increasing levels of ammonium hydroxide, while MCV, MCH, and cholesterol levels increased. Serological parameters showed elevated levels of bilirubin, creatinine, uric acid, SGPT (ALT), and alkaline phosphate with increasing ammonium hydroxide concentrations. Histopathological analysis of the gills revealed significant effects, including chloride cell hyperplasia, sideway swimming, hyperemia, epithelial lifting, curling of secondary lamellae, lamellar fusion, and shortening of secondary lamellae.

VL  - 14
IS  - 3
ER  -

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Author Information

Muhammad Waqas

Department of Zoology, Division of Science and Technology, University of Education, Lahore, Pakistan

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0002-4688-5046
Sami Ur Rahman

Department of Zoology, University of Malakand, Chakdara, Pakistan

http://orcid.org/0009-0005-5001-0711
Razia Bashir

Department of Zoology, Division of Science and Technology, University of Education, Lahore, Pakistan
Luqman Ali

Department of Zoology, Division of Science and Technology, University of Education, Lahore, Pakistan

http://orcid.org/0009-0000-5956-7376
Abdul Muhsin

Department of Zoology, University of Malakand, Chakdara, Pakistan

http://orcid.org/0009-0005-0161-0032
Hamid Ullah

Department of Zoology, University of Malakand, Chakdara, Pakistan

http://orcid.org/0009-0004-4971-102X
Muhammad Tayyab

Department of Chemistry, Division of Science and Technology, University of Education, Lahore, Pakistan

http://orcid.org/0009-0005-3393-4728
Shahdiar Khan

Institute of Zoological Sciences, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan

http://orcid.org/0009-0000-8389-2232
Humera Ambreen

Department of Zoology, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan

http://orcid.org/0009-0006-9865-9824

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Waqas, M., Rahman, S. U., Bashir, R., Ali, L., Muhsin, A., et al. (2025). Assessment of Acute Ammonia Stress on Growth Performance, Hematological, Serological, and Histopathological Changes in Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon Idella). Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, 14(3), 118-125. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.20251403.15

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ACS Style

Waqas, M.; Rahman, S. U.; Bashir, R.; Ali, L.; Muhsin, A., et al. Assessment of Acute Ammonia Stress on Growth Performance, Hematological, Serological, and Histopathological Changes in Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon Idella). Agric. For. Fish. 2025, 14(3), 118-125. doi: 10.11648/j.aff.20251403.15

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AMA Style

Waqas M, Rahman SU, Bashir R, Ali L, Muhsin A, et al. Assessment of Acute Ammonia Stress on Growth Performance, Hematological, Serological, and Histopathological Changes in Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon Idella). Agric For Fish. 2025;14(3):118-125. doi: 10.11648/j.aff.20251403.15

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.aff.20251403.15,
  author = {Muhammad Waqas and Sami Ur Rahman and Razia Bashir and Luqman Ali and Abdul Muhsin and Hamid Ullah and Muhammad Tayyab and Shahdiar Khan and Humera Ambreen},
  title = {Assessment of Acute Ammonia Stress on Growth Performance, Hematological, Serological, and Histopathological Changes in Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon Idella)
},
  journal = {Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries},
  volume = {14},
  number = {3},
  pages = {118-125},
  doi = {10.11648/j.aff.20251403.15},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.20251403.15},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.aff.20251403.15},
  abstract = {Background: Fish are a vital source of high-energy nutrition, especially for economically disadvantaged populations. Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), prized for their quality meat, are widely consumed worldwide including in Pakistan. However, environmental ammonia pollution from aquaculture poses significant risks to their health, impacting physiological functions, growth, and survival. Understanding ammonia toxicity is crucial for sustainable aquaculture and environmental protection. Objectives: This research aimed to investigate the toxicity of ammonium hydroxide on the growth, hematological parameters, and histopathological changes in gills of grass carp. Methods: Grass carp were exposed to various concentrations of ammonium hydroxide (0, 1, 1.5, and 2 mg/L) for a duration of 14 days in glass aquaria. Growth performance, hematological parameters (including Hb, RBC, MCHC, WBC, MCV, MCH, and cholesterol levels), and serological parameters (such as bilirubin, creatinine, uric acid, SGPT, and alkaline phosphate) were assessed. Histopathological analysis of the gills was conducted to observe any abnormalities. Results: The results revealed that increased concentrations of ammonium hydroxide led to retarded growth in grass carp, with the lowest growth rate observed in the experimental group exposed to 2 mg/L of ammonium hydroxide and the highest growth rate in the control group (0 mg/L). Hematological parameters indicated a significant decrease in Hb, RBC, MCHC, and WBC counts with increasing levels of ammonium hydroxide, while MCV, MCH, and cholesterol levels increased. Serological parameters showed elevated levels of bilirubin, creatinine, uric acid, SGPT (ALT), and alkaline phosphate with increasing ammonium hydroxide concentrations. Histopathological analysis of the gills revealed significant effects, including chloride cell hyperplasia, sideway swimming, hyperemia, epithelial lifting, curling of secondary lamellae, lamellar fusion, and shortening of secondary lamellae.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Assessment of Acute Ammonia Stress on Growth Performance, Hematological, Serological, and Histopathological Changes in Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon Idella)

AU  - Muhammad Waqas
AU  - Sami Ur Rahman
AU  - Razia Bashir
AU  - Luqman Ali
AU  - Abdul Muhsin
AU  - Hamid Ullah
AU  - Muhammad Tayyab
AU  - Shahdiar Khan
AU  - Humera Ambreen
Y1  - 2025/06/18
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.20251403.15
DO  - 10.11648/j.aff.20251403.15
T2  - Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
JF  - Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
JO  - Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
SP  - 118
EP  - 125
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-5648
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.20251403.15
AB  - Background: Fish are a vital source of high-energy nutrition, especially for economically disadvantaged populations. Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), prized for their quality meat, are widely consumed worldwide including in Pakistan. However, environmental ammonia pollution from aquaculture poses significant risks to their health, impacting physiological functions, growth, and survival. Understanding ammonia toxicity is crucial for sustainable aquaculture and environmental protection. Objectives: This research aimed to investigate the toxicity of ammonium hydroxide on the growth, hematological parameters, and histopathological changes in gills of grass carp. Methods: Grass carp were exposed to various concentrations of ammonium hydroxide (0, 1, 1.5, and 2 mg/L) for a duration of 14 days in glass aquaria. Growth performance, hematological parameters (including Hb, RBC, MCHC, WBC, MCV, MCH, and cholesterol levels), and serological parameters (such as bilirubin, creatinine, uric acid, SGPT, and alkaline phosphate) were assessed. Histopathological analysis of the gills was conducted to observe any abnormalities. Results: The results revealed that increased concentrations of ammonium hydroxide led to retarded growth in grass carp, with the lowest growth rate observed in the experimental group exposed to 2 mg/L of ammonium hydroxide and the highest growth rate in the control group (0 mg/L). Hematological parameters indicated a significant decrease in Hb, RBC, MCHC, and WBC counts with increasing levels of ammonium hydroxide, while MCV, MCH, and cholesterol levels increased. Serological parameters showed elevated levels of bilirubin, creatinine, uric acid, SGPT (ALT), and alkaline phosphate with increasing ammonium hydroxide concentrations. Histopathological analysis of the gills revealed significant effects, including chloride cell hyperplasia, sideway swimming, hyperemia, epithelial lifting, curling of secondary lamellae, lamellar fusion, and shortening of secondary lamellae.

VL  - 14
IS  - 3
ER  -

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