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Use of biomarkers in monitoring pollution status of urban rivers, Limpopo, South Africa

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Abstract

This study investigated the use of enzymes and histology as potential biomarkers in Sand and Blood Rivers in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Physico-chemical parameters were analyzed at sites S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5 of the Sand River and sites B1 and B2 of the Blood River. Sites S1 and B1 were selected as the reference sites and located upstream of the Polokwane and Seshego wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) effluent discharge points, respectively. Water quality parameters assessed were water temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, ammonia, nitrogen, phosphorus, and pH. Sites downstream the WWTPs recorded elevated levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and ammonia. DO, ammonia, nitrogen, and phosphorus were above the targeted water quality range (TWQR) for aquatic ecosystems. The Canadian council of ministers of the environment water quality index (CCME WQI) showed that the reference sites had good water condition while sites downstream (S2, B2, S3, and S4) had poor water condition. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme activity in the brain of Clarias gariepinus from sites downstream was lower than those from sites upstream of the effluent discharge points. The liver of Clarias gariepinus from sites downstream showed higher lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme activity compared to fish caught at the reference sites. Furthermore, Clarias gariepinus from sites downstream showed a number of histological alterations in gills and liver than fish from upstream. Histological alterations observed in gills included fusion of the secondary lamellae, hyperplasia of the interlamellar, epithelial lifting of secondary lamellae, and hyperplasia of the secondary lamellae. In the liver, histological alterations observed included melanomacrophage centers (MMCs), macrovesicular steatosis, sinusoid congested with kupffer cells, nuclei pleomorphism, and vacuolation. The gill and liver indices were significantly lower at the reference sites compared to sites downstream. Evidently, AChE, LDH, and gill and liver histology can be used as early warning signs of aquatic degradation in rivers that are recipients of poorly treated sewage effluent.

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Acknowledgements

Mr. Gavin Geldenhuys, Mrs. Clara Letsoalo, and Mr. Molepo are appreciated for their technical support. We would also like to thank Prof I Ncube and the UL Biotechnology Unit staff for assistance with enzymes analysis and Mr. George Reynald (UJ) for assistance with histological analysis.

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Funding

This study was funded by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Water Research Commission and Aquaculture Research Unit.

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  1. Aquaculture Research Unit, School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus), Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa

    Livhuwani E. Nephale, Ngonidzashe A.G Moyo & Mmaditshaba M. Rapatsa

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  1. Livhuwani E. Nephale
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Contributions

NAG and MM conceptualized and supervised the study. LE collected, analyzed, and interpreted data. The manuscript was drafted by LE and all authors read and revised the manuscript. All authors approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Livhuwani E. Nephale.

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Ethical protocol was followed when collecting and sacrificing fish. Fish were placed in ice and sacrificed by cutting the spinal cord.

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Ethical protocol was followed when collecting and sacrificing fish. Fish were placed in ice and sacrificed by cutting the spinal cord.

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Nephale, L.E., Moyo, N.A. & Rapatsa, M.M. Use of biomarkers in monitoring pollution status of urban rivers, Limpopo, South Africa. Environ Sci Pollut Res 28, 55116–55128 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-14881-8

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