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Resham Bhalla ¹, B. B. Waykar ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Zoology, LVH Arts, Science & Commerce College, Panchavati, Nashik-422 003, Maharashtra, IN
2 Department of Zoology, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad-431 004, Maharashtra, IN

Abstract

Rivers are currently degraded by both natural and anthropogenic activities, which deteriorate the water quality, affecting the ecological balance, pushing them to brink of extinction in the process of unplanned development, giving rise to planning for suitable conservation strategies. On this background to know the present status of sources and degree of pollution of Godavari river, the analysis was carried out in terms of physico-chemical and biological parameters like temperature, turbidity, pH, free carbon dioxide, sulphates, phosphates, chlorides, nitrates, nitrites, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, phytoplanktons, zooplanktons and metals like sodium, potassium, zinc, copper, iron and lead at five locations S1 to S5 during the year November 2008-October 2009. Based on the analysis, quality and quantity of pollution, Nashik Municipal Corporation is suggested to device strategies to arrest further pollution of Godavari river and use of river water for drinking purpose after conventional treatment and disinfection.

Keywords

Godavari River, Water Quality, Pollution Status, Heavy Metals.

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B. B. Waykar ¹, R. K. Petare ¹, S. M. Shinde ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Zoology, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad − 431 004, Maharashtra, IN
2 Department of Zoology, S.S.V.P.S’s Dr. P.R. Ghogrey Science College, Dhule − 424 005, Maharashtra, IN

Abstract

Objectives: Two freshwater snails Bellamya bengalensis and Lymnaea acuminata from Malangaon reservoir of Dhule district (Maharashtra, India) were examined to study biomarkers of oxidative stress with the investigation of antioxidant enzyme activities. Methods: The experimental snail species were collected seasonally and acclimatized in the laboratory. Their digestive glands were used to study the activities of oxidative biomarker enzymes like Lipid PerOxidation (LPO), Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH), SuperOxide Dismutase (SOD), CATalase (CAT) and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx). All investigations were carried out on double beam spectrophotometer (Elico BL 200). Findings: It was observed that, LPO level in B. bengalensis was 0.63, 0.55and 0.60(nmol of MDA formed/mg protein) while in L.acuminata 0.74, 0.67 and 0.70 respectively in summer, monsoon and winter seasons. GST activity was 23.41,15.73 and 19.61 in B. engalensis while 26.29, 18.34 and 22.29 in L.acuminata. Level of GSH was 0.083, 0.117and 0.094 (μM/g wet tissue) in B. bengalensis while in L.acuminata it was 0.018, 0.056 and 0.026 (μM/g wet tissue) in three seasons. The level of SOD was 20.87, 24.83 and 23.33 (U/mg of protein) in B. bengalensis while in L. acuminata it was 18.32, 22.35 and 20.73 in three seasons. Level of CAT was 9.23, 13.20, and 11.56 (U/mg of protein) in B. bengalensis while in L.acuminata it was 7.02, 10.53 and 8.86 (U/mg of protein) respectively during three seasons. GPx movement was 6.57, 8.50 and 7.48 (mg of GSH utilized/min/mg protein) in B. bengalensis. It was 5.05, 8.07 and 7.04 (mg of GSH utilized/min/mg protein) in L.acuminata respectively in three seasons. The obtained data also showed the lowest levels of LPO and activities of GST and uppermost doings of SOD, CAT, and GPx and uppermost heights of GSH in two snail types in rainy period than summer and winter period. This designates that in summer, the snails were under more conservation stress than winter and rainy periods. Application: It was decided that changes in antioxidant enzymes and LPO and GST activity can be used as tool in ecological nursing packages.

Keywords

Bellamya bengalensis, Biomarkers, Lymnaea acuminata, Malangaon Reservoir, Oxidative Stress, Seasonal Alterations.

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