MFO induction potential of fish species native to the Swan–Canning Estuary, Western Australia

Abstract

The use of mixed function oxygenase (MFO) enzymes as a potential biomarker of pollution in the Swan-Canning Estuary was investigated in four indigenous fish species, Perth herring (Nematalosa vlaminghi), sea mullet (Mugil cephalus), yellowtail trumpeter (Amniataba caudavittata), and black bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri). Each experimental fish was intraperitoneally injected with 10 micrograms/kg of 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl per kilogram of fish using corn oil as a carrier. Controls were injected with 1 mL corn oil per kilo. Induction of the hepatic ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity was measured 10 days post injection. Perth herring did not survive the experimental period due to the poor ability of this fish to endure captivity and handling. Yellowtail trumpeter demonstrated a low EROD induction response (2-fold relative to controls), while sea mullet displayed a moderate EROD induction potential (3.5-fold relative to controls). Because of their lower EROD induction potential, yellowtail trumpeter and sea mullet were not considered the most suitable bioindicator species for Western Australian estuarine waters. Black bream has desirable population traits and had a relatively high MFO induction potential response (9-fold relative to controls). From the results it was concluded that, when using EROD induction as a biomarker, black bream is a suitable fish to use as a bioindicator species for investigations into the health of the Swan-Canning Estuary.

Hepatic metabolism of contaminants in the terapontid fish, yellowtail trumpeter (Amniataba caudavittata Richardson)

“…EROD activity induction following BNF injection was not noted until day 7. Neither of these chemicals resulted in induction of EROD activity notably higher than corn oil control values, which agrees with the results of Webb and Gagnon (2002), following i.p. injection of PCB-126 in yellowtail trumpeter.…”

“…Despite this, detoxification of B[a]P has occurred as evidenced by the high level of metabolites in the bile. This study confirms Webb and Gagnon's (2002) study that, using EROD activity induction as a biomarker of exposure, the yellowtail trumpeter has limitations for environmental monitoring. On the other hand, ECOD activity induction supported by s-SDH determination and biliary metabolite measurement appears to be a sensitive and useful tool for environmental monitoring of the sublethal effects of PAHs in this bioindicator fish species in the Swan-Canning Estuary.…”

“…Persistent organic chemicals have been found to be present in the SCE (Swan River Trust, 1999a), and Webb et al (2005a,b) has identified metabolites of the naphthalene, pyrene, and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) in the bile of black bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri) captured in the estuary although chemical analysis of water, sediments and fish flesh consistently fail to identify the presence of these PAHs in the SCE. Webb and Gagnon (2002), in a previous laboratory study, suggested that the yellowtail trumpeter was not a suitable biomonitor of estuarine health after the fish were intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with 3,3 0 ,4,4 0 ,5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB-126).…”

Genotoxic and hematological parameters in Colossoma macropomum (Pisces, Serrasalmidae) as biomarkers for environmental impact assessment in a protected area in northeastern Brazil

“…The increased frequency of micronucleated cells is a marker of genotoxicity and may reflect exposure to agents with clastogenic or aneugenic modes of action (Bombail et al 2001). Micronuclei can develop by nondisjunction as a result of exposure to a Bspindle toxin^or induction by toxic chemicals (Heddle 1973;Webb and Gagnon 2002). The end result is the production of small cell bodies that resemble micronuclei (Carrasco et al 1990;Heddle 1973).…”

“…In addition, studies on genotoxicity indicate that C. macropomum has potential as an experimental model for monitoring aquatic ecosystems (Chapadense et al 2009;Groff et al 2010;Rocha et al 2011). The frequency of micronuclei and morphological nuclear abnormalities are effective tools for analyzing the health status of fish (Noga 2000;Webb and Gagnon 2002). Fish can respond positively or negatively to a changing environment (Signor et al 2010).…”