Comparative analysis of toxicological and biochemical characteristics of round goby Neogobius melanostomus (Pallas, 1814) from different areas of the Sea of Azov
T.B. Sigacheva, E.N. Skuratovskaya
Section: Ecotoxicology
Chemical elements are the major pollutants for many reservoirs. They are characterized by high accumulative ability and even in trace amounts affect physiological and biochemical status of fish. In this study we investigated toxicological (Hg, Pb, Cd, As, Fe, Zn and Cu concentrations) and biochemical (level of oxidized proteins and lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT)), cholinesterase (ChE), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities and albumin content) characteristics in the liver of round goby Neogobius melanostomus inhabiting two areas of the Sea of Azov (Belosaraiskaya Spit (BS)) and the eastern part of the Taganrog Bay (ETB)) with different levels of pollution and sediment granulometric parameters. Hg, Pb and Fe concentrations were detected significantly higher in the liver of fish from ETB compared to BS (p<0.05–0.01). SOD activity was considerably lower, while CAT activity was recorded higher in fish from ETB compared to BS (p<0.01). Levels of oxidized proteins and lipid peroxidation as well as albumin content, ALT and ChE activities in individuals from ETB considerably exceeded the corresponding values in BS (p<0.05–0.01). Possible mechanisms of Neogobius melanostomus biochemical response to chemical element content in the liver are discussed. The results obtained can be applicable for assessing the quality of water bodies contaminated by the abovementioned chemical elements.
Keywords: Neogobius melanostomus, toxicological and biochemical characteristics, pollution, the Sea of Azov
Article published in number 2 for 2025 DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2025-2-175-182
ISSN 1995-4301
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