Effects of mercury and magnetic fields on the activity of proteinases and glycosidases in the intestine of common carp Cyprinus carpio.

Abstract

Aquatic ecosystems are increasingly affected by anthropogenic pollution, including heavy metals like mercury, which accumulate in organisms and cause harmful effects. At the same time, human activities such as industrial operations and the use of electric power lines also alter the magnetic background in natural water bodies. However, the interaction between mercury exposure and magnetic fields remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of mercury and magnetic fields on the digestive enzyme activity of common carp (Cyprinus carpio), focusing on the relevance of magnetic fields due to their increasing presence in industrialized environments. Two groups of fish were fed diets with low (0.02mg/kg) or high (0.27mg/kg) mercury content for 6months and exposed to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields or hypomagnetic conditions. Results showed significant differences in mercury accumulation between groups, with higher levels in carps fed with high-mercury content diets. These fish also exhibited increased body length and weight compared to those on a low-mercury diet. The amylolytic activity (total activity of enzymes hydrolyzing starch: α-amylase, glucoamylase, and maltase) and proteolytic activity (total activity of serine proteinases) in the fish intestine were assessed. Magnetic exposure had contrasting effects on enzyme activity, depending on mercury levels in the diet. Fish fed the low-mercury diet exhibited decreased amylolytic activity following magnetic field exposure, while fish on the high-mercury diet showed increased activity. Proteolytic activity followed a similar pattern, with opposite effects observed between the two dietary groups. These findings suggest that mercury accumulation alters the biological response to magnetic fields, possibly through compensatory biochemical mechanisms. Understanding the interactions between toxic substances and magnetic fields is critical for improving environmental risk assessments.