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Effect of Different Heavy Metal Pollution on Fish

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Abstract

The purpose of thisreview was to check the accumulation and concentration of heavy metals in different organs of fresh water fishes that comes in contact with the water contaminated with the heavy metals. The subjected fish were exposed to cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb) at sub lethal levels. Heavy metals entered in bodies of fishes by three potential ways: by gills, by body surface and digestive track. The estimated accumulation of heavy metals in the liver and gills were in order of Pb > Cd > Ni > Cr and Cd > Pb > Ni > Cr. correspondingly, the order in case of kidneys and flesh tissues was and Pb > Cd > Cr > Ni and Pb > Cr > Cd > Ni. In Cyprinus carpio(Common carp) the concentrations of cadmium and lead was deliberately raised in tissues as compared to the other heavy metals. Heavy metals accumulate in fresh water and elevate through food chain and fishes are badly affected because they are top consumer in aquatic systems. Humans are also affected by intake of fishes for mostly people of those areas where main food is fish. INTRODUCTION The universal problem is the environmental pollution and most important pollutants are the heavy metals in aquatic network because of their toxicity, accumulation and bio-magnification by marine creatures. Domestic, industrial and anthropogenic activities may broadly become the source of natural aquatic systems contamination of heavy metals [1,2]. The pollution caused by heavy metals might have. The heavy metal pollution have dreadful effects on the environmental equilibrium and a variety of aquatic entities [3,4]. In the list of animal species, detrimental effects of these pollutants, can never be negligible for fishes [5,6,7]. Fishing is a also general pastime [8,9,10] including in urban areas [11].The pollutants such as heavy metals bioaccumulate in food chain and cause the antagonistic effects, even death so fish among other animals are used to determine the health condition of aquatic ecosystem [12,13]. Accumulation patterns are more in some fish species than others because of the ability of fish to bioaccumulate metals [14]. Heavy metals in fish come mainly from their diet, and levels of bioaccumulation of contaminants are higher in fish which comes higher in food chain [15]. In this study, the levels of five heavy metals i.e. zinc, nickel, cadmium, lead and chromium has been determined from the fishes, sediments and water. Heavy metals concentrate in water and entered into the food chain. The patterns of bioaccumulation of heavy metals are determined by the absorbance and excretion rates of fish. Different factors such as physical and chemical properties of water as well as seasonal changes are the reason of significant augmentation of metals in different fish tissues [16, 17]. Metal residual problems in the fish epithelium are stern, because of the presence of higher metal concentrations in water and sediments [18]. On the contrary, heavy metals are of serious concern in this respect because they can be easily elevated in the food chain due to their bioaccumulation processes [19]. The pattern of heavy metal uptake in fish is different in different species according to various factors i.e. the developmental and psychological factors and also the age of the fish. Fish can transport major dietary sources of arsenic and mercury to humans because of their higher uptake mechanism in their tissues towards these elements. Processed water from the, detergent, textile and cosmetic industries present near the river water have high concentrations of heavy metals, which cause the disruption of the ecological balance of river water if present in much higher concentrations. The scheme of accumulation regarding heavy metals in the liver and gills was found maximum forCd and Pb respectively. Similarly, forflesh tissues the maximum Research Journal of Chemical and Environmental Sciences
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74
Effect of Different Heavy Metal Pollution on Fish
Sehar Afshan, Shafaqat Ali*, Uzma Shaista Ameen, Mujahid Farid, Saima Aslam Bharwana, Fakhir
Hannan, Rehan Ahmad
Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Allama Iqbal Road, 38000,
Faisalabad Pakistan.
*Corresponding author: e-mail: shafaqataligill@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
The purpose of thisreview was to check the accumulation and concentration of heavy metals in different organs of fresh
water fishes that comes in contact with the water contaminated with the heavy metals. The subjected fish were exposed
to cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb) at sub lethal levels. Heavy metals entered in bodies of fishes by
three potential ways: by gills, by body surface and digestive track. The estimated accumulation of heavy metals in the
liver and gills were in order of Pb > Cd > Ni > Cr and Cd > Pb > Ni > Cr. correspondingly, the order in case of kidneys and
flesh tissues was and Pb > Cd > Cr > Ni and Pb > Cr > Cd > Ni. In Cyprinus carpio(Common carp) the concentrations of
cadmium and lead was deliberately raised in tissues as compared to the other heavy metals. Heavy metals accumulate in
fresh water and elevate through food chain and fishes are badly affected because they are top consumer in aquatic
systems. Humans are also affected by intake of fishes for mostly people of those areas where main food is fish.
Keywords – accumulation, bio-magnification , digestive track, gills, pollution,
Received 27/12/2013 Accepted 29/01/2013 © 2013 AELS, India
INTRODUCTION
The universal problem is the environmental pollution and most important pollutants are the heavy
metals in aquatic network because of their toxicity, accumulation and bio-magnification by marine
creatures. Domestic, industrial and anthropogenic activities may broadly become the source of natural
aquatic systems contamination of heavy metals [1,2]. The pollution caused by heavy metals might have.
The heavy metal pollution have dreadful effects on the environmental equilibrium and a variety of aquatic
entities [3,4]. In the list of animal species, detrimental effects of these pollutants, can never be negligible
for fishes [5,6,7]. Fishing is a also general pastime [8,9,10] including in urban areas [11].The pollutants
such as heavy metals bioaccumulate in food chain and cause the antagonistic effects, even death so fish
among other animals are used to determine the health condition of aquatic ecosystem [12,13].
Accumulation patterns are more in some fish species than others because of the ability of fish to
bioaccumulate metals [14]. Heavy metals in fish come mainly from their diet, and levels of
bioaccumulation of contaminants are higher in fish which comes higher in food chain [15]. In this study,
the levels of five heavy metals i.e. zinc, nickel, cadmium, lead and chromium has been determined from
the fishes, sediments and water. Heavy metals concentrate in water and entered into the food chain. The
patterns of bioaccumulation of heavy metals are determined by the absorbance and excretion rates of
fish. Different factors such as physical and chemical properties of water as well as seasonal changes are
the reason of significant augmentation of metals in different fish tissues [16, 17]. Metal residual problems
in the fish epithelium are stern, because of the presence of higher metal concentrations in water and
sediments [18]. On the contrary, heavy metals are of serious concern in this respect because they can be
easily elevated in the food chain due to their bioaccumulation processes [19]. The pattern of heavy metal
uptake in fish is different in different species according to various factors i.e. the developmental and
psychological factors and also the age of the fish. Fish can transport major dietary sources of arsenic and
mercury to humans because of their higher uptake mechanism in their tissues towards these elements.
Processed water from the, detergent, textile and cosmetic industries present near the river water have
high concentrations of heavy metals, which cause the disruption of the ecological balance of river water if
present in much higher concentrations. The scheme of accumulation regarding heavy metals in the liver
and gills was found maximum forCd and Pb respectively. Similarly, forflesh tissues the maximum
Research Journal of Chemical and Environmental Sciences
Res. J. Chem. Env. Sci., Volume 2 Issue 1 February 2014: 74-79
Online ISSN 2321-1040
CODEN: RJCEA2 [CAS, USA]
Available Online http://www.aelsindia.com
©2013 AELS, India
RESEARCH
AR
TICLE
RJCES Vol 2[1] February 2014
75
concentration of Pb and Cd was found. In all heavy metals, the bioaccumulation of lead and cadmium
proportions was extensively augmented in tissues of Cyprinus carpio (Common carp).
EFFECTS OF HEAVY METALS ON FISHES
The toxic effects of heavy metals can affect the individual growth rates, physiological functions, mortality
and reproduction in fish [20]Heavy metals entre in fish bodies by three possible ways: by gills, by
digestive track and body surface. The gills are considered as the significant site for direct uptake of metals
from the water [17, 19], though the body surface is normally estimated to take minor part in uptake of
heavy metals in fish [21]. Heavy metal accumulation can also be caused by the food source, possibly
leading to bio-magnification, the augmentation of toxins up the food chain [22]. The periodic difference of
heavy metals based on the data of two consecutive years and samples gathered from the fish farmexposed
the following result: summer > autumn >winter > spring. As a human food, Fish are considered as an
excellent source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (predominantly omega-3 fatty acids), protein, Zn, iron and
calcium [8]. Seafood will be an even more important and safe source of food in future for protein and
fatty acids for human intake and products made from aquaculture (WHO, 1999). Different factors that are
considered to be critical are size, developmentalstage and salinity in heavy metal toxicityto marine and
estuarine organisms [23].Affected organisms show response to heavy metals by accumulating in
theirbodies or by shifting to the next trophic level of the food chain [24].
Effects of chromium on fish
Heavy metals accumulated in fish either from the surrounding water or by ingestion of food in
environment [25]Due to anthropogenic activities natural water is being contaminated by this metal. The
chromium concentration in rivers and lakes stated to range between 1 to 10 ug/L and EPA
recommendation for permissible level are 50 to 100 ug Cr/L for protection of human health and aquatic
life respectively.Some species of fishes have poisonous effect of chromium as echoed in the blood changes
such as anemia, eosinophilia and lymphocytosis, bronchial and renal lesions.Chromium known for its
lesser accumulation in fish bodies while the higher concentrations of Cr damages the gills of fish
swimming near point of Cr disposal[26].
Effect of chromium on humans by fish intake
Fish being at the higher level of the food chain accumulate large quantities of metals and the accumulation
depends upon the intake and elimination from the body [27]. Cr (VI) is harmful to human health, mainly
for those who work in textile and steel industry. The tobacco smokers also have higher possibility of
disclosure to Cr. Chromium (VI) can cause many health effects. Chromium in leather products can cause
skin rash like allergic reactions. After breathing in Cr can cause noseirritations andnosebleeds[27].
Other health problems caused by Cr (VI) are:
Faded immune system
Skin diseases
Cause ulcer and upset stomach
Respiratory track problem
Alteration in genetic material
Lung cancer
liver and kidney damage
Death
Effects of cadmium on fish
Cadmium is the non-essential andmost toxic heavy metal which is widely distributed in the aquatic
environment and earth's crust. In the list of heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium are
considered to cause public health hazards [28]. Burning of fossil fuels and municipal waste are known to
be largest sources of cadmium release to the environment (such as coal or oil) [29].
Cadmium may also enter into the atmosphere from zinc, lead or copper smelter [30]. It can enter into the
fresh water by disposal of industrial and household waste. Fertilizers often contain some cadmium.
Reproduction rate of aquatic organisms may also be affected due to Exposure to heavy metals and can
lead to a gradual extinction of their generations in polluted waters [31].For example, Cd and mercury
(Hg) damage the kidney and produced signs of chronic toxicity, including impaired reproductive capacity
and kidney function,tumors, hypertension and hepatic dysfunction [32]. Fish creates major sources of
human beings food which is protein.Fishes are major part of the human diet and it is therefore not
surprising that numerous studies have been carried out on metal pollution in different species of edible
fish [33, 34, 35]. The nutritiveneed of different tissues of fish depends on their biochemical configuration
like mineral contents, amino acids, protein and vitamins,etc. The sub lethal concentration of Cd has
showed deviations on the electrophoretic arrangements of protein segments in gills and muscle O.
mossambicus.
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Health effects of cadmium in humans by intake of fish
Unfortunately the chemical contaminants are stored within the lipid component of the fish[36]so they are
well protected when entering the human body. Wild fish from certain polluted areas may be highly
contaminated.[37] Metals such as cadmium, mercury, arsenic and lead are non-essential and therefore
have toxic effects on living organisms [38, 39, 40]. These heavy metals accumulate in tissues and body of
aquatic organisms in higher concentration than concentrations in water and biomagnified in food chain
that cause physiological damages at higher trophic levels and in human consumers.
Human beingtakes Cd mainly through food. Foodmaterialscontains higher Cd can significantly increase
the Cd concentration in human bodies. The food materials that contain higher Cd are;fish liver,
shellfish,mushrooms, dried seaweed etc. In start Cdtransported to liver through the blood where it bond
to proteins to form complexes that are transported to kidneys where it harms the purifying mechanisms.
In results, this causes the excretion of sugars and essential proteins from the body and further damage
kidneys. It takes time before Cd that accumulated in kidneys and excreted from human body.
Other related health effects caused by cadmium are:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Stomach problems
Fractures in bone
Damage to DNA
Failure in reproduction and fertility
Cause damage to nervous system
Damage to immune system
Cause cancer
Effects of Zinc on Fish
Zinc can accumulate in the bodies of fish, when they live in Zn contaminated water courses. When zinc
enters into the bodies of these fishes, it results inbio magnify up the food chain. The Zn concentrations in
fish tissue decreased meaningfully with increasing length of the fish, is regarded as a controversial subject
[8],Zinc, an essential element, is one of the most common heavy metal pollutants. The sources of zinc and
other heavy metals in natural waters may be from geological rock weathering or from human activities
such as industrial and domestic wastes water discharges and animals where it forms constituent
functions in maintaining cytoplasmic veracity [14]. However at higher concentrations, Znproduced
adverse effects in fish by structural damages, which affects the growth, improvement and survival of fish.
Zinc accumulates in the gills of fish and this designates a depressing effect on tissue respiration leading
tohypoxia which results in death. Zinc pollution also tempts changes in ventilator and heart
physiology[5]. Sub-lethal levels of zinc have been known to unfavorably affect hatchability, existence and
hematological strictures of fish. Zinc could cause sub-acute effects that change fish behaviors. Such
observed behaviors include deficiency of balance since most fins are stationary in the affected fish,
restless swimming, air guzzling, periods of dormancy and death. [42]The Zn danger is taken as very
serious because of itsalmost unlimited persistence in the environment because it just transformed from
one oxidation state or organic complex to another and cannot be destroyed biologically. Zinc is a potential
toxicant to fish [4] which causes disturbances of acid-base and ion regulation, disruption of gill tissue and
hypoxia [43].
Effects of Zinc on Humans by Intake of Fish
Its need of time to define the concentrations of heavy metals in commercial fish and shrimps in order to
determine the possible risk of human consumption. Accumulation of heavy metals in tissues mainly
depends upon concentration of metals in water and exposure period; although some other environmental
factors such as salinity, pH, hardness and temperature play significant roles in metal accumulation [44].
Zinc isunique element that is little essential for human health. When people exposed to little Zn they can
experiencedecrease in sense of taste and smell,loss of appetite, slow wound healing and skin sores while
Zn deficiencies can even cause birth defects.
Although humans’beings can manage large concentrations of Zn, too much Zn can cause prominent health
problems such as skin annoyances, such as stomach cramps, anemia, vomiting and nausea. High levels of
Zn damages the pancreas and disturb the protein metabolism, and cause arteriosclerosis. Extensive
exposure to Zn chloride can cause respiratory disorders. However, it is worth mentioning that some of
the researchers are of the view that adverse effects of the fish are neutralized in the process of cooking.
Moreover, such negative effects are further reduced while p7r4`acking the fish for human feasting.
Effects of Lead in Fish
When accumulation reaches a substantially high level, accumulated heavy metals in the tissues of aquatic
animals and may become toxic [45]. Aquatic organisms exposed to a higher concentration of heavy metals
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in water may take up substantial quantities of these metals. Bio-magnification of a pollutant may lead to
toxic levels in species high up in the trophic chain and in freshwater systems. Lead (Pb) is as a potent
environmental pollutant. Lead toxicity has become very important due to its great concern for human
health [46, 47, 48]. Fish are usually among the top consumers. [41]. Fish and people are primarily
exposed to Pb by food ingestion and breathing. Lead accumulates in the muscles, bones, blood and fat.
Newborns and young children are especially delicate to even low levels of lead. [49]
Effects organs - Pbseverely damage to liver, kidneys, brain, nerves and other organs. Exposure
to Pb may also lead to reproductive disorders osteoporosis (brittle bone disease) and
Affects the blood and heart - Pb exposure causes increases in heart disease, high blood
pressure, especially in men. Pb also causes anemia.
Affects the nerves and brain - Extensive exposure to Pb causes memory problems
appropriations, behavioral disorders, mental retardation while lesser levels of Pb damage the
nerves and brain in fetuses and young children, resulting inlowered IQ and learning deficits.
Effects on Fish - Lead enters in water systems through runoff, industrial and sewage waste
streams. Increasing levels of Pb in the water can cause generative damage in some aquatic life
and cause blood and nervous changes in animals and fish and other [50, 51,52]
CONCLUSION
Heavy metals likecadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr)and lead (Pb) were tested in different organs
like gills, livers, kidneys and flesh tissues of the control fish enduring in natural water system. And most of
the metals are present in edible portion of fish. Humans are also affected by eating fish and can cause a
few of health problems.The levels of toxic elements in different fishes depend on the fish sex,age, season
and place. The pollution of waterways with anthropogenic activities are the major cause of aquatic loss
and imbalanced food chain. To eliminate and avoided the aquatic life loss there is need to use the
advanced technologies generating less heavy metal pollution to environment.
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CITATION OF THIS PAPER
Sehar Afshan, Shafaqat Ali, Uzma Shaista Ameen, Mujahid Farid, Saima Aslam Bharwana, Fakhir Hannan, Rehan
Ahmad. Effect of Different Heavy Metal Pollution on Fish. Res. J. Chem. Env. Sci., Volume 2 [1] 2014: 74-79
Afshan
et al
... Furthermore, the EC region is characterized by its urban environment and proximity to petrochemical industries, potentially serving as sources of Cd pollution in the coastal vicinity (Sujaul et al. 2013). This statement is further corroborated by Afshan et al. (2014), who observed that the combustion of fossil fuels and municipal waste is widely acknowledged as a significant factor in releasing Cd emissions into the environment. ...
Article
Shukri SM, Setyawan AD, MD Naim D. 2024. Metal concentrations in Silver pomfret Pampus argenteus (Euphrasen, 1788) and its risk assessment in Malaysia. Nusantara Bioscience 16: 13-22. Fish consumption is one of the most important sources of protein in Malaysia. Nevertheless, anthropogenic sources release contaminants, such as metals, which have the potential to accumulate within marine organisms via the food chain. Hence, ingesting fish polluted with metals can be potentially hazardous to human health. This study aimed to ascertain the levels of metal concentrations in the edible tissues of Pampus argenteus (Euphrasen, 1788) inhabiting Malaysian waters to evaluate potential health hazards associated with their use. This study examines the levels of three metals, specifically Cd, Ni, and Pb, in P. argenteus. The samples underwent microwave digestion in a closed vessel to extract metals, which were subsequently analyzed using ICP-OES. The study revealed that the quantities of metals in P. argenteus were primarily Pb, with Ni and Cd following suit. These values ranged from 0.651 mg/kg to 0.001 mg/kg when measured on a dry weight basis. Notably, the samples collected from the Straits of Malacca exhibit a greater concentration of metals than those obtained from the South China Sea region. The tolerable daily intake of P. argenteus from all populations in this study was below the FAO/WHO oral reference dose. The risk assessment results showed that all populations' target hazard quotient was below 1.0. The results indicate that exposure to the metals studied poses a low non-carcinogenic risk and is considered safe for human consumption. This research offers baseline data for evaluating food safety and developing risk management recommendations concerning P. argenteus.
... Heavy metals such as Co, Ni, Zn and Cd were examined in following organs; muscles, gills, intestine and liver. All these heavy metals in both the species were recorded within the permissible range according to different health and food agencies like Canadian standard for Zn is 100µg/g, USEPA standard for Ni is 1µg/g and EU/EC standard for Chromium is 0.50mg/L , WHO standard for Cd (5 µg/L) (Ahmad et al., 2014). Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in fish is influenced by a variety of parameters such as eating habits, ambient temperature, water hardness, pH, salinity, age, sex and metal interactions (Hakanson, 1980). ...
Article
The Accumulation levels of heavy metals for intestine, muscle, gill and liver tissues of two freshwater fishes Shizothorax Plagiostomus and Crossocheilus Diplocheilus were investigated. The heavy metals such as Cobalt, Zinc, Nickel and Cadmium were determined through atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The aim of current study to evaluate heavy metal concentration in different organs of two freshwater fishes. The concentration of heavy metals is lowest in gills of both species. Metals accumulated in the body of Schizothorax Plagiostomus in order of Cd >Zn >Ni >Co. Metals concentration in various organs of Schizothorax Plagiostomus was intestine> liver> muscle> gills. Whereas, the concentration of heavy metals in different organs of Crossocheilus Diplocheilus was intestine> muscles> liver and gills. Similarly, the accumulation pattern of heavy metals in the body of Crossocheilus Diplocheilus was Cd> NI> Zn> Co. The accumulation pattern of heavy metals was different in both species, while in both species Cd was highest and Co was less accumulated heavy metal. The current study has reported that the concentration of heavy metals Zn, Ni, Cd and Co are more in Schizothorax Plagiostomus as compared to Crossocheilus Diplocheilus.
... However, very high concentrations in fish result from overexposure in the aquatic environment 30 . Zn, used in various chemical forms in commerce and the pharmaceutical industry 20 , enters ocean waters through urban waste discharge or natural geological events 34 , and the presence of Fe in the marine environment is linked to industrial and mining effluents [35][36][37] . In this study, we consider that the fluctuation of Zn concentrations and the significant differences between species in the 1990s may be related to the capture area and the biology of these species. ...
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Tuna, due to their position in the food web, serve as excellent biomonitors for assessing the health of marine ecosystems. Analyzing their organs and tissues provides valuable insight into element concentrations, as tuna possess the capacity to bioaccumulate pollutants. In the present study, 12 trace elements and metals (Al, B, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mo, Ni, Pb, Zn) were analyzed in dorsal fin spines samples of four tuna species: Katsuwonus pelamis, Thunnus albacares, Thunnus obesus and Thunnus thynnus from individuals captured in the surrounding waters of the Canary Islands, between 1990 and 2007. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics and one-way and two-way PERMANOVAs were carried out, with species factor and decade-species as factors, respectively. The highest concentrations were recorded for the elements: Al, Fe, B and Zn, with greater significant differences between species in the concentrations of Cu, and in both decades, in Fe, Pb and Zn. The comparison of the concentrations of elements between decades showed a decrease in them, from the 90s to the 2000s. There is no similar information on the metal content in spines for these species, providing relevant information, which may be of interest to future studies.
... This ultimately leads to a decline in water quality (Miretzky et al., 2006). Such contamination affects human health both directly and indirectly, in addition to disrupting natural habitats (Afshan et al., 2014). Wastewater has diverse applications, with its frequent use in agriculture. ...
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The increasing demand for energy has resulted in a significant rise in the exploration of petrochemical resources around the globe. In Pakistan, district Karak has several sites dedicated to petrochemical exploration. Effluents from these sites pose serious threats to the aquatic environment. This investigation aimed to evaluate the potential of Lemna minor for bio-assessment and phytoremediation of toxicants in the effluents from petrochemical sites. Various parameters, including biomass, frond number, biochemical endpoints, fresh and dry weight, and antioxidant indicators, were analyzed. Over seven days, L. minor cultures were exposed to wastewater at different concentrations (1, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 mg/L). Among the tested treatments, concentrated wastewater had a significant impact on the growth of biomass, fronds, and pigments, including total carotenoids, chlorophyll a, and chlorophyll b. Conversely, total soluble protein and sugar contents increased, likely due to the defense mechanisms of the plant against pollutants in the effluent. Furthermore, exposure of L. minor to wastewater resulted in substantial changes in several oxidative stress indicators. The findings indicate that toxicants in the wastewater induced oxidative stress in L. minor. Antioxidant enzymes, such as ascorbate peroxidase, lipid peroxidation, peroxidase, and catalase, showed a marked increase in activity in response to this stress. The bio-concentration factor for L. minor was calculated as 0.29 mg/L, highlighting its suitability for heavy metal bioaccumulation. In conclusion, the effluents from petrochemical sites negatively impact the aquatic environment, and L. minor proves to be an effective standard organism for wastewater bio-assessment and phytoremediation.
... Contributing to biomass production and regulation of trophic networks and nutrient cycles, fish are essential for maintaining ecosystem functioning and stability . Fish easily absorb xenobiotics dissolved in the water through their gills and body surfaces or by direct ingestion (Afshan et al. 2014) and are highly sensitive to the presence of pollutants, thus representing well-acknowledged bioindicators (Macirella & Brunelli 2017;Keke et al. 2020). ...
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The widespread and uncontrolled application of neonicotinoid pesticides represents a major threat to freshwater ecosystems, especially those near agricultural lands and farms. Here, we determined for the first time the mean lethal concentration (LC50–96 h) of acetamiprid on bleak Alburnus alburnus juveniles and investigated the effect on gills of two environmentally relevant concentrations after short-term exposure (96 h). After defining the LC50 value (34.546 mg/L), we evaluated the effects of two low concentrations (150 and 300 µg/L) through a histological examination and molecular evaluation of Na+/K+-ATPase expression in gills. No morphological alterations were observed in the control group. Severe structural modifications were observed in samples exposed to both tested concentrations, including hyperplasia and hypertrophy of chloride cells, epithelial detachment and aneurysm formation, which are recognised as a common and early response of freshwater gills to chemical insults. Exposure to the highest tested concentration induced more severe damage, with the appearance of necrotic pavement cells and degeneration of pillar cells. Na+/K+-ATPase downregulation was observed following the exposure to both tested concentrations. Our results highlight the importance of expanding the panel of ecotoxicological tests required to approve agrochemical compounds and using different diagnostic tools for an in-depth examination of xenobiotic toxicity.
... Cu can also cause changes in kidney cells, reduced growth, and a decrease in immune response [37]. Fe is required for fish growth and a high concentration can cause structural damage, subsequently affecting fish growth and survival [38]. According to Deswati et al. (2021), better concentrations of Cu, Fe, and Zn will accelerate fish and plant growth [39]. ...
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This study explores the effects of varying exposure times of microelement fertilization on hydrochemical parameters, plant growth, and nutrient content in an aquaponic system cultivating Capsicum annuum L. (pepper) with Cyprinus carpio (Common carp L.). It also investigates the potential of visible-near-infrared (VIS-NIR) spectroscopy to differentiate between treated plants based on their spectral characteristics. The findings aim to enhance the understanding of microelement dynamics in aquaponics and optimize the use of VIS-NIR spectroscopy for nutrient and stress detection in crops. The effects of microelement exposure on the growth and health of Cyprinus carpio (Common carp L.) in an aquaponic system are investigated, demonstrating a 100% survival rate and optimal growth performance. The findings suggest that microelement treatments, when applied within safe limits, can enhance system productivity without compromising fish health. Concerning hydrochemical parameters, conductivity remained stable, with values ranging from 271.66 to 297.66 µS/cm, while pH and dissolved oxygen levels were within optimal ranges for aquaponic systems. Ammonia nitrogen levels decreased significantly in treated variants, suggesting improved water quality, while nitrate and orthophosphate reductions indicated an enhanced plant nutrient uptake. The findings underscore the importance of managing water chemistry to maintain a balanced and productive aquaponic system. The increase in root length observed in treatments 2 and 6 suggests that certain microelement exposure times may enhance root development, with treatment 6 showing the longest roots (58.33 cm). Despite this, treatment 2 had a lower biomass (61.2 g), indicating that root growth did not necessarily translate into increased plant weight, possibly due to energy being directed towards root development over fruit production. In contrast, treatment 6 showed both the greatest root length and the highest weight (133.4 g), suggesting a positive correlation between root development and fruit biomass. Yield data revealed that treatment 4 produced the highest yield (0.144 g), suggesting an optimal exposure time before nutrient imbalances negatively impact growth. These results highlight the complexity of microelement exposure in aquaponic systems, emphasizing the importance of fine-tuning exposure times to balance root growth, biomass, and yield for optimal plant development. The spectral characteristics of the visible-near-infrared region of pepper plants treated with microelements revealed subtle differences, particularly in the green (534-555 nm) and red edge (680-750 nm) regions. SIMCA models successfully classified control and treated plants with a misclassification rate of only 1.6%, Citation: Sirakov, I.; Stoyanova, S.; Velichkova, K.; Slavcheva-Sirakova, D.; Valkova, E.; Yorgov, D.; Veleva, P.; Atanassova, S. Exploring Microelement Fertilization and Visible-Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Enhanced Productivity in Capsicum annuum and Cyprinus carpio Aquaponic Systems. Plants 2024, 13, 3566. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/plants13243566 Copyright: © 2024 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/license s/by/4.0/). Plants 2024, 13, 3566 2 of 18 highlighting the effectiveness of the spectral data for plant differentiation. Key wavelengths for distinguishing plant classes were 468 nm, 537 nm, 687 nm, 728 nm, and 969 nm, which were closely related to plant pigment content and nutrient status. These findings suggest that spectral analysis can be a valuable tool for the non-destructive assessment of plant health and nutrient status.
... Toxins can bioaccumulate and concentrate in many aquatic organisms often without clear signs of external physical change. Metal toxicity, however, can affect individual growth rates, physiological functions, mortality and reproduction in fish (Afshan et al., 2014). These examples highlight the numerous negative effects of pesticide residues on the aquatic ecosystem. ...
... Several research reported the following explanations, which can be related to the C. gariepinus juveniles exposed to SLCs of WSFs of WBTRs for 58 days. Fish bodies are susceptible to heavy metal entry through the gills, digestive system, and body surface (Sehar et al., 2014). Metals can easily pass through the thinnest epithelium seen in gills (Mastan et al., 2014). ...
Article
This study evaluated the bioaccumulation of certain heavy metals of waste burnt tire residues (WBTRs) in certain organs (viz-gills, liver, kidney and muscles) of Clarias gariepinus following exposure to sublethal concentrations (SLCs) of water-soluble fractions (WSFs) of WBTRs. Clarias gariepinus (average weight of 47.95±0.34g and length of 15.54±0.36cm) were exposed to SLCs at different concentrations (0.00, 0.23, 0.47, 0.94, 1.87, and3.74 ppm) of WSFs of WBTRs for a period of fifty-eight days. Heavy metal concentrations in WBTRs and in the organs of the experimental fish were measured using a handheld X-Ray Fluorescence Analyzer (NitonXL3T). Results showed that strontium, lead, zinc, cobalt, bismuth, rubidium, gold, tungsten, iron, thorium, arsenic, copper, and niobium were detected in WBTRs although the maximum level of zinc was perceived however, no significant difference (P>0.05) was observed as compared to the control group regarding heavy metal accumulation in muscles, 53.10±12.78; liver, 56.30±76.96; kidney, 164.54±12.78; and gills, 241.36±146.87 of the exposed fish. The high levels of heavy metals present in WBTRs are of great concern as potential detrimentl pollutants to the aquatic ecosystem. These allochthonous inputs get into the aquatic ecosystem through sewage flow and runoffs effluents. Resident non-target communities particularly fishes from such polluted aquatic systems with WBTRs become vunerable and incriminated with attendant high levels of heavy metals that could be detrimental to human consumers.
... Environmental pollution through heavy metals has become a universal problem in aquatic network due to their toxicity, accumulation and bio-magnification (Afshan et al., 2014). Trace metals in contrast to most pollutants, are not bio degradable, and they undergo a global ecological cycle in which natural water are the main pathways. ...
Article
This research analyses heavy metals presence in Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, Micropogonias undulatus and Mugil Cephalus fish species found in Brass River. This study focuses on the concentrations of major heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Hg and As) in the three fishes named above. The fish samples were collected from fishermen from the Brass River during the months of September and October 2023. The heavy metal concentration in the fish samples were analysed through the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer in order to estimate the presence of heavy metals pollution in fish species of the river. The result show that the concentration of Pb (0.204 µg/ml), Cd (0.022 µg/ml) and Cr (0.004 µg/ml) were the highest in the Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus with a high relative standard deviation. While Hg and As have negative values. In Micropogonias undulatus, the concentration of Pb (0.241µg/ml), Cd (0.020µg/ml) and Cr (0.018µg/ml) were the highest with a relative standard deviation of 8.28%, 19.94% and 15.55% respectively. Hg and As have negative values. While in Mugil cephalus, the concentration of Pb (0.337µg/ml) and Cr (0.007µg/ml) were the highest with a relative standard deviation of 9.53% and 3.56% respectively. Cd, Hg and As have negative values. The level of these heavy metals in fishes of the river were found below the permissible limit. Thus, the study revealed that the heavy metals concentration in fish in Brass River is low. However, the heavy metals analysed in this research are known to be very toxic even at low concentrations. Hence, adequate attention should be given to ensure that there is no further pollution of heavy metals in the river in order to avoid future deleterious health effects to humans.
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Several heavy metals vis., Ba, As, Co, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn were estimated in the water, sediment and total of 144 fish samples from Işikli Lake during March 2009-February 2010. Fe has the highest concentrations in water as well as sediment among the studied metals. The heavy metal levels, except Cr in water were the highest in summer and winter, though lower than WHO standards. Generally higher metal levels were found in liver of Cyprinus carpio, while the lowest were determined in muscle tissue. Heavy metal levels in tissues of carp increased in summer and winter, but decreased in autumn and spring. Significant positive and negative relationships were found between heavy metal levels and fish size. Generally some of the results were above the limits for fish proposed by WHO, EC and TSE. This study shows that a potential danger may occur in the future depending on the agricultural development.
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Tinca tinca were exposed to lethal and sublethal treatments with mercury, cadmium and lead for acute and chronic periods to study alterations in immunological parameters. Acute lethal exposure (Lc50/48 h ; 96-h Lc50 of Hg 1.0, Cd 6.5, Pb 300 ppm) caused a significant increase in Let in the Hg treatment and a significant decrease in the Pb treatment, and a significant decrease in total WBC count in the Hg and Cd treatments. Lower acute sublethal exposures (10% Lc50/24 h), caused a significant increase in Let in the Hg and Pb, treatments and a significant increase in total WBC count in the Hg treatment. The same concentration after 96-h exposure resulted in a significant increase in Let in all 3 treatments and a significant decrease in total WBC count in the Cd treatment, and after chronic exposure caused a significant increase in Let in the Hg treatment and a significant increase in total WBC count in the Hg and Cd treatments. Higher acute sublethal exposures (25% Lc50/24 h) caused a significant increase in Let in the Hg and Cd treatments and a significant increase in total WBC count in all 3 treatments. The same concentration after 96-h exposure caused a significant increase in both Let and total WBC count in all 3 treatments, and after 3 weeks exposure resulted in a significant increase in Let in the Hg treatment and a significant increase in total WBC count in the Hg and Pb treatments and a significant decrease in the Cd treatment. The hypothesized greater resistance of tench to mercury, cadmium and lead toxicity compared to other fish species did not prove true; however, it was evident from the data that both acute and chronic metal exposure caused immunological impairment in tench, which suggests that the metals may weaken the immune system, resulting in increased susceptibility to infections. Further, the toxicity order of metals for the hematological parameters of tench was Hg > Cd > Pb.
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Levels of zinc, iron, copper, chromium, cobalt, cadmium and lead were determined in some organs and body muscles of Illisha africana fish, water and sediments from three neighbouring man‐made freshwater ponds using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The ponds were located at the Research Farm of the Ondo State College of Education, Ikere‐Ekiti, Ondo State, Nigeria. The water levels of these metals were found to be much lower than their corresponding concentrations in the sediments, but the levels in the sediments were less than those in the fish. Lead, iron and copper were found to be highly concentrated in the fish organs showing some likely evidence of bioaccumulation, while chromium was not detected in any of the samples whereas cobalt was not bioaccumulated in the fish organs. However, the metals concentration in the fish body muscle was low. A chemical analysis of fish, water and the sediment has to be carried out to monitor the correlation of the trace heavy metal pollutants resulting from the uptake from the aquatic environment and their probable effect on human health.
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Laboratory study was undertaken to evaluate some haematological changes resulting from the exposure of a freshwater fish, Heteroclarias sp. to sublethal concentrations (5.0 and 10.0 mg L-1) of zinc in water for a period of fifteen (15) days. Three groups of ten fish were subjected to serial dilutions of the stock solution of zinc of 0 (control), 5.0 and 10.0 mg L -1 in three large plastic bowls of 60 litres capacity by the semistatic (renewal) method. At the end of the 15 days exposure period, blood samples were taken from the control and experimental fish. Blood was assayed for selected haematological parameters (haematocrit, haemoglobin, red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts, differential white blood cell counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, total plasma protein and plasma glucose concentration). The derived haematological indices of mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were calculated. Sublethal concentrations (5.0 and 10.0 mg L-1) of zinc caused a dose dependent decrease in haemoglobin values, coupled with a decrease in haematocrit values and red blood cell counts are obvious indication of anemia of the norm chronic type. The total white blood cell counts and the differential white blood cell counts were decreased except for the lymphocytes in which there was a slight increase. Plasma level of protein and glucose were also lower in the exposed fish when compared to the control. The haematological indices MCHC, MCH and MCV were also lowered. In conclusion, the changes observed indicate that haematological parameters can be used as an indicator of zinc related stress in fish on exposed to elevated zinc levels.