AQUATIC ANIMAL REPORTS (AQAR)

Aquatic DNA Chronicles: Extraction to Geno-Toxicity and Comet Assays

2024-09-26T09:44:30+03:00

Aquatic habitats are filled with different types of species and all of them are vulnerable to pollution through pollutants hence in the recent past, heavy metal pollutants have been dangerous to aquatic lives. This study concentrates on isolating pure DNA from fish tissues and identification of genotoxicity by conducting the comet assay and PCR test based on the p53 gene. Since fish is a critical link in aquatic ecosystems it acts as a biomarker for the environment. In this study, fin and gill tissues were chosen for DNA extraction, and the optimized protocol provided high-purity DNA for further analysis. The comet testing revealed that the fish exposed to environmental toxins had greater quantities of DNA damage, notably illustrated by the longer comet tails. The current study further sought to confirm the specificity of established p53 gene primers for PCR and their potential use in genotoxic analyses.

Further, statistical analyses were employed to verify the credibility and the importance of the findings. Thus, this work illustrates how DNA extraction, comet assays, and PCR analysis should be integrated to evaluate the effects of pollutants on water inhabitants. The study emphasizes the necessity of imposing strict environmental laws and regulating pollution in water to save water life. Further investigations should extend these methodologies to fish species and other contaminants to gain more insights into the problem and effects of environmental genotoxicity.

Assessing Microplastic Contamination in Freshwater Gastropods: A Case Study of invasive Potamopyrgus antipodarum (J. E. Gray, 1843) in Türkiye

2025-02-17T18:16:44+03:00

Plastics have become one of the most significant environmental threats due to their widespread use and persistence in ecosystems. Among these, microplastics (MPs) pose severe risks to aquatic organisms. This study investigates MP contamination in the invasive freshwater gastropod Potamopyrgus antipodarum from Kocabaş Stream, Türkiye. Potamopyrgus antipodarum is widely distributed in freshwater ecosystems and serves as a bioindicator species for pollution studies. Despite the growing concern over MP pollution, research on its impact on gastropods remains limited. Sampling was conducted in September 2024 at Kocabaş Stream, an ecologically important water body exposed to domestic, industrial, and agricultural pollution. A total of 100 individuals were collected using an Ekman-Birge Grab and a D-frame hand net. Samples were preserved in ethanol and dissected to analyze MP ingestion. Laboratory analysis was performed using a Zeiss Stemi 508 stereo microscope. This study provides the first evidence of MP contamination in P. antipodarum from this region. The findings highlight the potential role of freshwater gastropods in monitoring MP pollution and emphasize the need for further research on their ecological impacts. Understanding MP ingestion in bioindicator species such as Potamopyrgus antipodarum is crucial for evaluating freshwater ecosystem health. Our findings emphasize the ecological significance of freshwater gastropods and highlight their potential use in biomonitoring programs, reinforcing the need for conservation strategies in freshwater habitats.

Assessing the interplay between trophic index (TRIX), and environmental health from an aquaculture perspective

2025-02-19T14:09:48+03:00

The Trophic Index (TRIX) serves as a comprehensive metric for evaluating eutrophication in aquatic ecosystems by integrating key water quality parameters, including chlorophyll-a, dissolved inorganic nitrogen, total phosphorus, and oxygen saturation deviation. Elevated TRIX values typically signal increased nutrient loading, often linked to anthropogenic activities such as agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, and aquaculture effluents. This study investigates the interplay between TRIX values, water quality, and the environmental health of aquaculture sites along the Turkish coasts. Through multi-year TRIX monitoring at two designated aquaculture zones in the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, findings reveal that TRIX values remained below the critical threshold for eutrophication risk, indicating stable environmental conditions. The study underscores the necessity of continuous TRIX-based monitoring to assess trophic dynamics, ensure sustainable aquaculture practices, and mitigate ecological risks. The results contribute to the broader discourse on balancing aquaculture productivity with marine ecosystem health through informed nutrient management strategies.

Seasonal and Sexual Variation in Cheliped Morphometry and Anomalies of Carcinus aestuarii Nardo, 1847 in the Çanakkale Strait

2025-02-26T11:19:04+03:00

This study investigates the seasonal and sexual variations in cheliped morphometry and anomalies, including heterocely and cheliped loss, in Carcinus aestuarii populations from the Çanakkale Strait. A total of 240 crabs (120 males and 120 females) were sampled seasonally from Çardak Lagoon in 2018–2019 using traditional eel traps. Morphometric measurements of cheliped width, cheliped length, and width were recorded, and cheliped loss patterns were analyzed. Males exhibited significantly larger chelipeds than females, with the right cheliped generally being more dominant. Cheliped loss was more frequent during the breeding season (spring and summer), coinciding with increased predation pressure and competitive interactions. A positive correlation was observed between cheliped width and cheliped dimensions, highlighting sexual dimorphism and functional specialization in cheliped development. These findings provide valuable insights into the ecological functions of heterocely and cheliped loss, emphasizing their implications for crab population dynamics and management strategies. Further studies are recommended to explore the behavioral adaptations and long-term impacts of cheliped anomalies on C. aestuarii populations.

Investigation of the Isolation Streptomyces from Marine Mucilage

2025-02-17T17:21:50+03:00

This study aims to isolate of Streptomyces from mucilage samples collected from the Çanakkale Strait (Dardanelles). Mucilage is a highly viscous structure produced by various microorganisms (diatoms, dinoflagellates, cyanobacteria, and bacteria) under suitable environmental conditions. Although the literature states that mucilage may contain different microorganisms, no studies have specifically examined Streptomyces species within mucilage structures. This study cultivated Streptomyces species isolated from mucilage in three different growth media (GYM-Streptomyces, N-Z-Amine, and ISP 4) with and without calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) pretreatment. The results showed that ISP 4 was the most effective medium for Streptomyces growth, while CaCO₃ pretreatment significantly enhanced Streptomyces isolation efficiency by reducing the total bacterial load. 118 Streptomyces isolates were obtained, with 62 isolates from ISP 4, 36 from N-Z-Amine, and 20 from GYM. After CaCO₃ pretreatment, the total number of Streptomyces isolates increased approximately 3.5 times (from 26 to 92) in all media. This suggests that CaCO₃ effectively enhances Streptomyces recovery from mucilage samples.

This study demonstrated that Streptomyces species can be successfully isolated from mucilage structures, and further research should explore their potential applications in biotechnology, particularly in antimicrobial and pharmaceutical studies