Fish parasites and blood parameters as bioindicators of technogenic salination of freshwater ecosystems

Abstract

Blood parameters and the composition of parasite fauna of fishes could indicate different processes in aquatic ecosystems. This study aims examine the parasite fauna composition and to analyse the haemotological parameters of the adult ruffe Gymnocephalus cernua in the Volim River (Perm Krai) with the high degree of water salinity under the technogenic impact from the mining of the potash-magnesium salts, as well as in the Gaiva River (the city of Perm) with natural water salinity. We found wide scope of parasite species and a high infection rate, as well as the development of leucopenia, erythropenia, and dramatic morphological changes in the erythrocyte cells of ruffe in Volim River. This can be caused by high degree of salinity with its adverse effect on fish’s immunity and a wide range of species-specific intermediate hosts of parasites. The results demonstrates an opportunity to apply the parasitological and haemotological markers for the bioindication of the rivers’ technogenic salination.