Evaluation of DNA damage in Cnesterodon decemmaculatus generated in runoff from experimental plots of corn after pesticide applications

PAUTASSO, NÉSTOR; POLETTA, GISELA L.; SASAL, CAROLINA; SIMONIELLO, MA. FERNANDA

Santa Fe

Otro; Curso de Posgrado Actualización en Mecanismos de Daño y Reparación del ADN; 2014

Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral

Agrochemical diffuse pollution is one of the main concerns for the society and it requires an integral analysis of its causes, effects and decisions needed to control and reduce its used. The aim of this study was to assess DNA damage in the widely distributed fish Cnesterodon decemmaculatus living in a natural lagoon that receives runoff from experimental plots of corn after pesticide applications. Ten juvenile C. decemmaculatus (males and females) were assigned to each of six pens in order to determine basal values of DNA damage for this species, using the comet assay in epithelial gill cells. This was evaluated in two different months, August and September, without any pesticide applications or rain events. The second experiment was conducted with the same number of animals and pens during the period of pesticide and fertilizers applications for corn sowing. Four specimens were taken randomly from each pen 24 h after the rain event with a proved runoff to the lagoon, and DNA damage was determined in epithelial gill cells. During both instances of sampling water analysis was conducted and pH and temperature determined. Results showed statistically significant differences (p