Evaluation of Genotoxic Pressure along the Sava River

PLoS One. 2016 Sep 15;11(9):e0162450. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162450. eCollection 2016.

Abstract

In this study we have performed a comprehensive genotoxicological survey along the 900 rkm of the Sava River. In total, 12 sites were chosen in compliance with the goals of GLOBAQUA project dealing with the effects of multiple stressors on biodiversity and functioning of aquatic ecosystems. The genotoxic potential was assessed using a complex battery of bioassays performed in prokaryotes and aquatic eukaryotes (freshwater fish). Battery comprised evaluation of mutagenicity by SOS/umuC test in Salmonella typhimurium TA1535/pSK1002. The level of DNA damage as a biomarker of exposure (comet assay) and biomarker of effect (micronucleus assay) and the level of oxidative stress as well (Fpg-modified comet assay) was studied in blood cells of bleak and spirlin (Alburnus alburnus/Alburnoides bipunctatus respectively). Result indicated differential sensitivity of applied bioassays in detection of genotoxic pressure. The standard and Fpg-modified comet assay showed higher potential in differentiation of the sites based on genotoxic potential in comparison with micronucleus assay and SOS/umuC test. Our data represent snapshot of the current status of the river which indicates the presence of genotoxic potential along the river which can be traced to the deterioration of quality of the Sava River by communal and industrial wastewaters. The major highlight of the study is that we have provided complex set of data obtained from a single source (homogeneity of analyses for all samples).

Publication types

  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Europe
  • Fishes
  • Mutagenicity Tests
  • Mutagens / toxicity*
  • Rivers
  • SOS Response, Genetics
  • Salmonella typhimurium / drug effects
  • Salmonella typhimurium / genetics
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / toxicity*

Substances

  • Mutagens
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical

Grants and funding

This research received financial support of the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme, Grant agreement 603629-ENV-2013-6.2.1. (Globaqua). This study represents a part of activities within the Projects funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia and bilateral project Serbia and Austria: Implementation of Microbial Source Tracking (MST) method for assessment of faecal pollution in the Sava River and relation (potential relationship) to the presence of genotoxic agents.