Comparative study of the cholinesterase activities in tissues of the round goby Neogobius melanostomus (Gobiidae) from different locations of the Black and Azov seas

Abstract

Cholinesterase activity has been assayed in the liver, muscles, and blood serum of the round goby Neogobius melanostomus caught in the coastal waters of the Black and Azov seas differing in the degree of anthropogenic impact. The highest enzyme activity in the fish individuals from both seas is observed in the liver and the lowest is observed in the blood serum. The fish caught in the most polluted (by municipal and agricultural wastewaters) sites of both seas display a decrease in cholinesterase activity. The utility of cholinesterase activity as a biomarker in monitoring of the marine areas affected by anthropogenic pollution is discussed.