Russian scientists tracked the pollution of Lake Ladoga by the liver of fish

Scientists have found that water pollution can be assessed by the activity of proteins that are responsible for detoxification in the liver of fish. In particular, the level of an enzyme that plays a key role in the destruction of toxins in fish caught in polluted areas of Lake Ladoga turned out to be 15-20 times higher than in healthy fish. This is reported in an article published in the journal Veterinary Sciences.

According to the publication, pesticides and industrial waste entering rivers and lakes can accumulate in fish tissues, especially in the liver. This leads to cell destruction. However, the liver contains proteins that neutralize these dangerous substances. One of these elements is cytochrome P450 reductase. When there are too many toxins, this protein works intensively. By its activity, it is possible to assess the degree of contamination of the reservoir.

The study showed that the level of water pollution in Lake Ladoga, especially in areas with strong anthropogenic influence, is associated with an increase in cytochrome P450 levels in fish.

The scientists took samples of water and fish from the coastal areas of the lake, including Shlisselburg and other settlements where pollution levels were highest. Fish caught in these areas showed a significant increase in the level of cytochrome P450 reductase, which indicates a strong toxic load. Liver damage (up to 33% of cells) and respiratory organs of fish were also detected.

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Cytochrome P450 reductase has become a key indicator for determining the state of the ecosystem. Studies have shown that the level of this enzyme in the liver of fish from polluted areas was significantly higher, which indicates a strong toxic load on the body.

"Using cytochrome P450 reductase as a key indicator will allow us to create more cost-effective and sensitive monitoring systems for water bodies. With the help of this indicator, environmental services will be able to objectively divide territories by environmental risk and assess the effectiveness of cleaning measures," said Vladimir Ponamarev, project manager, Candidate of Veterinary Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at St. Petersburg State University of Veterinary Medicine.

According to him, the new approach will allow analyzing the water quality in the lake and further preventing possible damage from pollution. In addition, in the future, researchers are going to establish how the level of cytochrome a P450 reductase affects pathological processes in fish tissues, as well as the application of the proposed technique on other animals.

In an interview with Izvestia on January 23, environmentalist and hydrogeologist Zhora Kavanosyan spoke about everyday habits that harm the environment. According to him, in Russia, the bulk of solid household waste is organic, waste paper and plastic. At the same time, the expert stressed that the great harm of plastic to the environment is the most popular myth.

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