Application of biochemical and morphophysiological parameters of round goby Neogobius melanostomus (Pallas, 1814) for assessment of marine ecological state.

Abstract

The ecological state assessment of the two areas in the Sea of Azov (Temryuk and Yasensky Bays) was carried out using morphophysiological (hepatosomatic and gonadosomatic indices) and biochemical parameters (activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase), aminotransferases, cholinesterase, level of oxidized proteins, and lipid peroxidation), as well as the toxicological parameters in the liver of round goby Neogobius melanostomus. The results of the biochemical analysis allowed to establish a shift of the prooxidant-antioxidant reactions towards the processes of protein oxidation, also an increase of aminotransferase activities in the fish liver from Temryuk Bay compared to similar indicators in fish from Yasensky Bay. At the same time, the average values of length and weight as well as the gonadosomatic index were found significantly lower, while the hepatosomatic index significantly higher in fish from Temryuk Bay as compared to similar indices of fish from Yasensky Bay. Analysis of the biochemical and morphophysiological parameters of round goby from the two locations demonstrates less favorable ecological state of the Temryuk Bay that fully agrees with the results of the elementary analysis in the fish liver. Studied parameters can be used in the ecological monitoring of the natural surroundings of this species and the areas beyond.