Fingerlings of estuarine fish, Lates calcarifer were exposed to sub lethal concentration of cadmium, nickel and cadmium plus nickel (4.0 ppm, 3.8 ppm and 3.0 ppm) respectively, for a period of 35 days. After 7th day of treatment the plasma sodium, potassium and chloride level of all the three experiments were estimated. In all the three treatments the sodium and chloride level were decreased throughout the exposure period showing the minimum percent decrease of 3.47, 0.11 and 4.18 at the end of 7th day, respectively. In contradictory, the plasma potassium level was increased throughout the exposure period in all the three treatments showing the maximum percent increase of 35.05, 54.93 and 50.49 at the end of 35th day, respectively. The alteration in the above said parameters was maximum in combined metals treatment. The significant alteration in the electrolyte levels serve as a biomarker of pollutant exposure and effects. The probable reasons are interpreted and discussed.
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