Environmental Medicine and Toxicology

Environmental Medicine and Toxicology

Toxic effects of tin(II) chloride on hematological parameters and histopathology of gills and intestines in common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Javad Kharkan 1
Mohammad Hossein Sayadi 2
1 Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran
2 Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science (INIOAS), Tehran 1411813389, Iran
10.22034/emt.2026.599214.1002
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Tin(II) chloride (SnCl₂) was selected because of its industrial applications and the potential release of inorganic tin into aquatic environments, motivating an assessment of its toxic effects in freshwater fish. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the toxic effects of sublethal concentrations of tin chloride (SnCl2) on blood parameters and gill and intestinal tissues of common carp.
Methods: For this purpose, the 96-h median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) of SnCl₂ in common carp weighing 40 ± 3 g was determined through an acute toxicity test conducted according to OECD Test Guideline 203. Then, 10, 25, and 50% of the LC50-96h were selected as sublethal concentrations of SnCl2. After the end of the experimental period (28 days), hematological and histological examinations were performed.
Results: The 96-h LC₅₀ of SnCl₂ was 131.82 mg/L. Compared with the control, red blood cell (RBC) counts decreased significantly and white blood cell (WBC) counts increased significantly at 25% and 50% of the LC₅₀, whereas hematocrit (HCT) and hemoglobin (HGB) decreased significantly at 50% of the LC₅₀ (p < 0.05). Gill lesions included shortening and curvature of secondary lamellae, oedema, and necrosis. Intestinal changes included increased goblet cell numbers, goblet cell swelling, increased blood cell presence, and expansion of villous structures.
Conclusion: Under the experimental conditions, 28-day exposure to SnCl₂ was associated with altered hematological parameters and histopathological damage in the gills and intestines of common carp.

Graphical Abstract

Toxic effects of tin(II) chloride on hematological parameters and histopathology of gills and intestines in common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Highlights

  • The 96-h LC₅₀ of SnCl₂ for common carp was 131.82 mg/L.
  • SnCl₂ exposure reduced RBC, HGB, and HCT but increased WBC counts.
  • Gill lesions included secondary lamellar shortening, oedema, necrosis, and curvature.
  • Intestinal lesions included goblet cell swelling and expansion of villous structures.
  • SnCl₂ exposure produced tissue damage in carp gills and intestines across the tested concentrations.

Keywords
Hematocrit
Hemoglobin
Median lethal concentration
Necrosis
Red blood cells
White blood cells
Subjects
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Environmental Medicine and Toxicology
Volume 1, Issue 1
Summer 2026
Pages 1-12

  • Receive Date 25 August 2026
  • Revise Date 10 September 2026
  • Accept Date 14 September 2026
  • First Publish Date 14 September 2026
  • Publish Date 17 September 2026