Multibiomarker approach in Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters, 1892) fish to assess the impact of pollution in Mula River

This article examines the advantages of the use of biomarkers as environmental indicators by applying it to Mula River, in Pune, which is in a critical environmental situation. We use a multi-biomarker approach in Oreochromis mossambicus fish as an integrated strategy to assess the impact of pollution. It comprehends a general biomarkers of fish immunity i.e. the respiratory burst activity, and specific biomarkers of contaminant exposure such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and oxidative stress. Our results revealed different effects in the fish from polluted river water than control fish. Activities of antioxidative enzymes, phagocytic activity and neurotransmitter activity was significantly influenced (P < 0.05) in dose dependent manner. This study indicates the usefulness of integrating a set of biomarkers to define the effects of anthropogenic inputs in aquatic bodies under complex polluted situations.