Effect of Organic Pollution on DNA and Tissue Damage of Goldfish Carassius Auratus from the Yellow River

摘要

Using goldfish Carassius auratus as bioindicator for pollution, we investigate DNA and tissue damages in liver, kidney and gill from individuals from the relatively unpolluted Liujiaxia Reservoir (LJXR) and heavily polluted Baiyin Region (BYR). Both sections locate in the upper Yellow River. The results indicate that the level of DNA damage in C. auratus from the contaminated BYR was significantly higher than that from less contaminated LJXR, and the tissues in liver, kidney and gill from BYR were also heavily damaged. The damages in DNA and tissues showed a seasonal difference in BYR and the most severe damage was recorded in June. The results imply that the extend of breakage of DNA strand and histological alterations of fish can be used in monitoring pollution aquatic environment.