Integrated biological responses of zebrafish (Danio rerio) to analyze water quality in regions under anthropogenic influence

AMADO, L; ROSA, C.E; CASTRO,; VOTTO; COUGO SANTOS; MARINS, ; TRINDADE; FRAGA; DAMÉ; BARROS; GERACITANO,L; BIANCHINI, A; DE LA TORRE, F.R.; MONSERRAT, J.M.

CHEMOSPHERE

PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD

Lugar: amsterdam; Año: 2011 vol. 82 p. 1563 - 1570

0045-6535

This study analyzed water quality in regions around Patos lagoon (Southern Brazil) that are under anthropogenic pressure. Water samples were collected from five different sites, including one used as a source for human consumption (COR) and others known to be influenced by human activities (IP). Danio rerio (Teleostei, Cyprinidae) organisms were exposed for 24 h to these water samples, plus a control group. It was observed that: (1) reactive oxygen species levels were lower in COR and IP than in the control group; (2) glutamate cysteine ligase (catalytic subunit) expression was higher in COR than in other sites; (3) exposure to all water samples affected long term memory (LTM) when compared to control group. Thus, some water samples possess the ability to modulate the antioxidant system and to induce a decline in cognitive functions, as measured by LTM. The obtained results indicate that a combination of variables of different organization level (molecular, biochemical and behavioral) can be employed to analyze water quality in impacted regions.