Assessment of pollution in the Gulf of Annaba (Algeria) by monthly measurements of two biomarkers in a fish species Liza aurata

Abstract

The present study aimed to assess water quality of the Gulf of Annaba by monthly measurements of two biomarkers of pollution during one year (December 2011 to November 2012) in the fish Liza aurata (Teleostei, Mugilidae) sampled in two different sites, Sidi Salem a polluted site and Hnaya as control site. This fish species was chosen because of its large consumption in our country and its sensitivity against several pollutants. Activities of liver glutathione S-transferase (GST) and brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE), respectively biomarkers of oxidative stress and neurotoxicity, were determined. Environmental parameters (temperature, dissolved oxygen and salinity) were also monitored. Results demonstrated that the physic-chemical data put in evidence of the temporal fluctuations without station effects. L. aurata showed differential biomarker responses according to abiotic factors and of the anthropogenic pressure of pollutants. An increase in GST activity was observed in fish from the polluted site Sidi Salem compared to the control site Hnaya suggesting induction of detoxification system. Moreover, a significant inhibition in AChE activity was recorded in fishes from the polluted site, which could reflect contamination by neurotoxic pollutants such as heavy metals. Overall, obtained data indicate that L. aurata constitutes a useful tool as sentinel organism for biomonitoring of aquatic pollution.