Integrated use of biomarkers to assess the impact of heavy metal pollution on Solea aegyptiaca fish in Lake Qarun

Abstract Background Biomarkers have become a valuable tool in environmental assessment, since they contribute to predicting contaminants monitoring programmes. This study aimed investigate the toxicity of heavy metal pollution Lake Qarun using multibiomarker approach (morphological, oxidative stress, genotoxicity, stress proteins) Solea aegyptiaca fish. During winter and summer seasons, water fish samples were collected from different locations along Qarun; western northern sectors away any source pollution, while southern eastern exposed effluents discharged El-Wadi El-Bats drains, respectively. The quality, as well accumulation metals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni) gills, liver, muscles assessed. Data integrated biomarker response index (IBRv2) for interpretation. Results Water quality bioaccumulation revealed highly significant difference between polluted those far drainage water, and, seasonal differences detected. Growth indices sites seasons. Fish sector had highest total antioxidant capacity their muscles, with no However, maximum value malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, 8-hydroxy-2′deoxyguanosine, metallothionein, heat shock 70, DNA strand breaks was detected polluting sectors. It during season. According IBRv2 results, most effective biomarkers this malondialdehyde 8-hydroxy-2′deoxyguanosine carbonyl metallothionein 70 gills break muscles. Conclusions contributes distinguishing varying levels anthropogenic identifying water-exposed stressed season critical time owing spawning. chosen are indicators under indicating potential monitoring. Graphical