Genotoxicity evaluation of the Sava River using comet assay on silver bream (Abramis bjoerkna L. 1758)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate genotoxic potential of the Sava River during 2014, at site Duboko in the Belgrade region, which is under the impact of agricultural, urban and industrial activities. DNA damage was determined by alkaline comet assay in different tissues of silver bream (A.bjoerkna L. 1758). To obtain basic level of DNA damage, some specimens were subjected to acclimation for 20 days. The level of DNA damage in tissues of silver bream after acclimation correlated with the damage detected in populations of species from Cyprinidae family from unpolluted control site in Special Nature Reserve “Uvac”. Higher level of DNA damage in tissues of silver bream from the site Duboko comparing to data obtained after acclimation indicated the presence of genotoxic pollution. Physical and chemical parameters and microbiological quality of water were in correlation with comet assay. Tissue samples were also collected for histopathology and heavy metals analyses which will provide further insight in the origin and fate of detected genotoxic influence.