The concentration of some metals (Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu) and delta aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity of fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) living near lead and zinc smelter “Trepça” in Kosova

Abstract

The concentration of Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu, δ-aminulevulinic acid dehydratase activity (ALA-D; EC. 4.2.1.24) hemoglobin and protein amount have been determined in three different populations of fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) caught at two urban sites (Mitrovica town, which is situated close to smelter of Trepca down closed and Prishtina the capital of Kosova) and in Luki village as uncontaminated area. The results show that in the fruit fly of Mitrovica the concentration of Pb, Cd and Zn was significantly higher (P<0.001) in comparison with that on the fruit fly of Prishtina and Luki. The concentration of Pb of fruit fly from Mitrovica was 3. 1 times higher in comparison with that on fruit fly of Prishtina and 4.9 times higher in comparison with uncontaminated group of fruit fly. The ALA-D activity was significantly inhibited in the homogenate of fruit fly from Mitrovica in comparison with Prishtina and Luki localities (P<0.001). ALA-I) activity was also inhibited in the homogenate of Prishtina fruit fly in comparison with Luki group (P<0.001). The amount of proteins was significantly lower in Mitrovica fruit fly in comparison with that in control and Prishtina group. The hemoglobin value was relatively unchanged.