Acute toxicity test of monosodium glutamate in Channa punctatus and its ecotoxicological implications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63697/jeshs.2025.10048Keywords:
Monosodium glutamate (MSG), Food additive, LC50, Channa punctatus, Acute toxicityAbstract
Monosodium glutamate (MSG), the umami substance commonly used in the food industry, is known for its ability to enhance savory flavors. Although it is generally recognized as safe by Food Safety Regulatory Agencies, several studies have questioned its long-term safety. Despite its widespread use, the potential toxicity of MSG therefore remains under-researched. This study aimed to evaluate the acute toxicity of MSG in terms of its median lethal concentrations (LC50) as well as the potential to induce morphological and behavioral changes in the freshwater fish Channa punctatus upon short-term exposure. Static bioassay tests were conducted by exposing the fish to different concentrations of MSG and the mortality of the fish was recorded at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours of exposure. The physicochemical parameters of the aquarium water, such as pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, total hardness, and total alkalinity, were maintained within their optimal ranges. The LC50 value was determined using probit analysis following standard guidelines to ensure accuracy and reproducibility. The results indicate that MSG exhibited acute toxicity to C. punctatus within the tested range of concentrations. Furthermore, a dose-dependent increase in mortality as well as marked behavioral and morphological changes were observed. The severity of symptoms increases at higher MSG concentrations, indicating induction of physiological stress in exposed fish. This is the first study to assess the acute toxicity of MSG on the fish C. punctatus. These findings provide baseline information that will aid further toxicological research and monitoring of the long-term effects of MSG on aquatic organisms.
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