1. Genotoxicity assessment in blood cells of fish (Rutilus rutilus) from Llapi river.
- Author
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Rexha, Kaltrina, Asllani, Fisnik, and Alija, Avdulla
- Subjects
WATER pollution ,ROACH (Fish) ,WATER supply ,NUCLEOLUS ,ANALYTICAL chemistry ,GENETIC toxicology - Abstract
Pollution of water resources is one of the major problems in Kosovo. Most of the rivers in Kosovo are found to be highly polluted, thus further reducing the possibility of using this water for the basic needs of Kosovo's citizens. The Llapi River is also exposed to pollution and therefore, this study aimed to assess the genotoxic effects of the pollution of Llapi River due to various discharges along the river course before the water of this river is discharged into one of the most polluted rivers in Kosovo-Sitnica River. The test organism in this research was fish Rutilus rutilus, whereas the Comet Assay and Micronucleus Test have been used as methods for assessing genotoxicity. These assays are known for their use in assessing the level of the damage caused to the genetic material in cells of living organisms. The study was conducted during the period August-September 2018 and included analysis of genetic material damage (DNA damage and micronucleus frequency) in fish caught in two localities on the Llapi River (Barilevë and Babimoc) and at one sampling point at Batllava Lake (for comparison). The results of this research work showed differences between localities (in some cases) in the levels of damage to genetic material as well as when comparing August with September (within the same locality). It is worth noting that individuals caught in Batllava Lake incurred greater damage (as shown by Comet assay) than those from the investigated Llapi River localities, while the frequency of micronuclei showed smaller differences between localities. The results of this research indicate the need for further research (including longer periods) in the Llapi River as well as in Batllava Lake. It is particularly important that future research be accompanied by chemical analysis in order to elucidate the effects found in individuals caught in Batllava Lake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023