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Profenofos is one of the most widely used toxic organophosphate insecticides used in crop fields against various insect pests. The pesticide may spread into the environment through various sources, such as air, water, soil, etc. Therefore, there is a high risk of ingestion for animals and aquatic fauna. The present study aimed to assess the profenofos-induced hepatotoxicity, genotoxicity, and haematological abnormalities of the freshwater fish Channa punctatus, which can indicate the probable threat of this pesticide to other species, including humans. Freshwater fish Channa punctatus were exposed to two sub-lethal concentrations of Profenofos (0.078 and 0.157 mg/L). After 7 days of consecutive exposure, changes in haematological parameters, hepatic tissue histology, and genotoxic effects were evaluated. The total count of red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and haemoglobin (Hb) % was done. Along with the histological changes in hepatic tissues, genotoxic studies were also carried out. The study showed that profenofos induces different changes in the liver's haematology and histology and nuclear abnormalities in the erythrocytes of treated fish. The results indicate significant differences in RBC and Hb%, whereas marked elevations in WBC count were recorded. The histopathological study of the liver in the treated fish revealed some substantial changes like cell damage, distorted cell shape, vacuolations, etc. Some significant genotoxic effects of profenofos in the erythrocytes were observed, such as the induction of micronuclei, lobed nuclei, irregular-shaped nuclei, notched nuclei, and distorted nuclei. The results were statistically significant at the p < 0.05 level. The study explores the toxic effects of pesticides on the overall health of the fish species. Moreover, the study tried to focus on making decisions about using a tolerable prescribed dose of chemicals to minimize the risk of pesticides. People will also learn that the contamination of the insecticide profenofos is harmful to the aquatic ecosystem, and therefore indiscriminate measures should be avoided.

来源平台：BIOLOGY BULLETIN