Evaluation of enzyme biomarkers in freshwater invertebrates from Taro and Ticino river, Italy

Benthic macroinvertebrates are an essential component of freshwater environments. The ecotoxicological risk of benthic communities, estimated through the assay of biochemical markers, can be used as an early warning signal for environment alterations. In this work the activities of a number of enzym...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Annales de limnologie 2004-01, Vol.40 (3), p.169-180
Main Authors: Berra, E., Forcella, M., Giacchini, R., Marziali, L., Rossaro, B., Parenti, P.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Amphipoda
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Annelida
Applied ecology
Biological and medical sciences
biomarkers
Chironomidae
Crustacea
Diptera
Ecotoxicology, biological effects of pollution
enzymes
Ephemeroptera
Fresh water environment
Freshwater
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
insect larvae
Invertebrata
invertebrates
Odonata
Oligochaeta
Plecoptera
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Summary:Benthic macroinvertebrates are an essential component of freshwater environments. The ecotoxicological risk of benthic communities, estimated through the assay of biochemical markers, can be used as an early warning signal for environment alterations. In this work the activities of a number of enzymes, regarded as potential biomarker of exposure to pollutants (catalase, acetylcholinesterase, glutathione-S-transferase) was determined in homogenates of whole organisms. Specimens were collected in the rivers Taro and Ticino, northern Italy, in stony bottom reaches in five and three stations respectively. The orders of aquatic Insects Diptera, Plecoptera, Odonata, Ephemeroptera and Trichoptera, the Crustacea Amphipoda, and Annelida Oligochaeta were examined. Additional enzymes, such as NADP-dependent malate dehydrogenase, isocitric dehydrogenase, glucose-6phosphate dehydrogenase, alcohol dehydrogenase, and lactate dehydrogenase were considered in the study. Results emphasize significant differences among taxa concerning the specific activity of most enzymes.
ISSN:0003-4088
2100-000X
DOI:10.1051/limn/2004015