The effect of cadmium and lead on selected blood parameters of common carp

Abstract

Blood from common carp fingerlings exposed to lead and cadmium was analyzed to evaluate changes in erythrocyte and leucocyte counts, hematocrit and glucose concentration. Measurements made immediately after the exposure, after 6 and 24 h revealed that the metals caused an initial increase of Ht followed by a decrease of Ht and RBCs. An increase of glucose level occured. Cadmium caused a decrease in WBCs number. The changes continued within 24 h after the end of the exposure.