Preprint Article Version 1 This version is not peer-reviewed

Aliens Among Us: Sensitivity of the Invasive Alien Fish Black Bullhead Ameiurus melas as a Bioindicator of Pollution and Its Safety for Human Consumption

Version 1 : Received: 6 November 2024 / Approved: 6 November 2024 / Online: 7 November 2024 (03:19:58 CET)

How to cite: Kostić, J.; Đorđević Aleksić, J.; Višnjić-Jeftić, Ž.; Nikolić, D.; Marković, Z.; Kračun-Kolarević, M.; Tasić, A.; Jaćimović, M. Aliens Among Us: Sensitivity of the Invasive Alien Fish Black Bullhead Ameiurus melas as a Bioindicator of Pollution and Its Safety for Human Consumption. Preprints 2024, 2024110480. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202411.0480.v1 Kostić, J.; Đorđević Aleksić, J.; Višnjić-Jeftić, Ž.; Nikolić, D.; Marković, Z.; Kračun-Kolarević, M.; Tasić, A.; Jaćimović, M. Aliens Among Us: Sensitivity of the Invasive Alien Fish Black Bullhead Ameiurus melas as a Bioindicator of Pollution and Its Safety for Human Consumption. Preprints 2024, 2024110480. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202411.0480.v1

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the black bullhead Ameiurus melas, an invasive alien fish (IAF) in Serbia, as a bioindicator organism and the safety of natural and aquaculture specimens for human consumption. A set of biomarkers was analysed to assess the bioindicator potential at site exposed to agricultural activities. The genotoxic response was determined by alkaline comet assay and micronucleus assay in fish erythrocytes, and the metal pollution index (MPI) was calculated to assess the toxic element burden on fish. Water quality was evaluated using physicochemical pa-rameters and faecal indicator bacteria, while the sediment was analysed for the presence of pesti-cides. The concentration of metals and metalloids in fish muscle was monitored to assess the safety for human consumption, and the corresponding indices (MAC, THQ, HI) were calculated. All biomarker responses were linked by integrated biomarker response (IBR). Water analyses indi-cated the absence of communal wastewater, while sediment analysis revealed the presence of paclobutrazol, bifenthrin, and cyfluthrin. The IBR showed that June and September had the highest stress index, coinciding with peak pesticide use and precipitation. All indices confirmed the safety of black bullhead for human consumption. This study highlighted used approaches as nature-based solutions to the problem of IAF.

Keywords

pesticide pollution; invasive alien fish; comet assay; micronucleus assay; toxic elements; nature-based solutions

Subject

Biology and Life Sciences, Toxicology

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