Abstract
Biochemical markers, specifically enzymes of the first phase of xenobiotic transformation - cytochrome P450 and ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) - were used to determine the quantities of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in fish muscle (PCB, HCB, HCH, OCS, DDT). Eight rivers were monitored (Orlice, Chrudimka, Cidlina, Jizera, Vltava, Ohře and Bílina; and the River Blanice was used as a control). The indicator species selected was the chub (Leuciscus cephalus L.). There were no significant differences in cytochrome P450 content between the locations monitored. The highest concentration of cytochrome P450 in fish liver was in the Vltava (0.241 nmol mg-1 protein), and the lowest was in the Orlice (0.120 nmol mg-1 protein). Analysis of EROD activity showed a significant difference between the Blanice and the Vltava (P< 0.05), and also between the Orlice and the Vltava (P< 0.01), the Orlice and the Bílina (P< 0.01), and the Orlice and the Ohře (P< 0.05). The highest EROD activity in fish liver was in the Vltava (576.4 pmol min-1 mg-1 protein), and the lowest was in the Orlice (63.05 pmol min-1 mg-1 protein). In individual locations, results of chemical monitoring and values of biochemical markers were compared. A significant correlation (P< 0.05) was found between biochemical markers and OCS, and PCB. Among the tributaries studied those that contaminated the Elbe most were the Vltava and the Bílina. These tributaries should not be considered the main sources of industrial contamination of the River Elbe, because the most important contamination sources were along the river Elbe itself.
Highlights
The dramatic increase in anthropogenic activity since the early 20th century has had a negative impact on all parts of the environment
The highest cytochrome P450 concentrations in fish liver were in the Vltava (0.241 nmol mg-1 protein), while the lowest concentrations were in the Blanice (0.152 nmol mg-1 protein) and the Orlice (0.120 nmol mg-1 protein)
Statistical analysis showed no significant differences in cytochrome P450 concentrations in the liver of indicator fish between locations
Summary
The dramatic increase in anthropogenic activity since the early 20th century has had a negative impact on all parts of the environment. The aquatic environment has become an accessible disposal site for xenobiotics and pollutants such as organochlorine compounds - PCBs and chlorinated pesticides. Contamination of water with industrial and agricultural pollutants influences the biochemical processes of aquatic organisms. An effective monitoring system using biochemical markers has been established to demonstrate these xenobiotics in the environment. The cytochrome P450 system has proved to be a very suitable tool for biochemical and environmental monitoring [1]. Suitable markers have been used to assess contamination in the River Elbe, which is ranked among the very important European aquatic ecosystems. The river is 1 103.5 km long and its catchment covers 148 268 km. The river flows through two countries, the Czech Republic (51 336 km2) and Germany (96 932 km). Contamination remains a focus of attention [2,3,4,5,6,7]
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