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  • About
  • The Global ETD Search service is a free service for researchers to find electronic theses and dissertations. This service is provided by the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations.
    Our metadata is collected from universities around the world. If you manage a university/consortium/country archive and want to be added, details can be found on the NDLTD website.
11

Efeitos bioquímicos e estrogênicos do N-(3,4-diclorofenil)-N,N-dimetilureia (diuron) e seus metabólitos, isoladamente ou em associação com alquilfenóis em tilápias do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) / Biochemical and estrogenic effects of N- (3,4-dichlorophenyl) -N, N-dimethylurea (diuron) and its metabolites, alone or in combination with alkylphenols in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Felício, Andréia Arantes [UNESP] 21 February 2017 (has links)
Submitted by Andréia Arantes Felício null (andreia_a.felicio@hotmail.com) on 2017-03-27T17:43:13Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Tese Andréia Arantes Felício.pdf: 4621912 bytes, checksum: fcb824edfc225a271b66a12fc039e014 (MD5) / Rejected by Luiz Galeffi (luizgaleffi@gmail.com), reason: Solicitamos que realize uma nova submissão seguindo as orientações abaixo: No campo “Versão a ser disponibilizada online imediatamente” foi informado que seria disponibilizado o texto completo porém no campo “Data para a disponibilização do texto completo” foi informado que o texto completo deverá ser disponibilizado apenas 6 meses após a defesa. Caso opte pela disponibilização do texto completo apenas 6 meses após a defesa selecione no campo “Versão a ser disponibilizada online imediatamente” a opção “Texto parcial”. Esta opção é utilizada caso você tenha planos de publicar seu trabalho em periódicos científicos ou em formato de livro, por exemplo e fará com que apenas as páginas pré-textuais, introdução, considerações e referências sejam disponibilizadas. Se optar por disponibilizar o texto completo de seu trabalho imediatamente selecione no campo “Data para a disponibilização do texto completo” a opção “Não se aplica (texto completo)”. Isso fará com que seu trabalho seja disponibilizado na íntegra no Repositório Institucional UNESP. Por favor, corrija esta informação realizando uma nova submissão. Agradecemos a compreensão. on 2017-03-29T19:14:18Z (GMT) / Submitted by Andréia Arantes Felício null (andreia_a.felicio@hotmail.com) on 2017-03-29T19:20:52Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Tese Andréia Arantes Felício.pdf: 4621912 bytes, checksum: fcb824edfc225a271b66a12fc039e014 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luiz Galeffi (luizgaleffi@gmail.com) on 2017-03-29T19:24:57Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 felicio_aa_dr_sjrp.pdf: 4621912 bytes, checksum: fcb824edfc225a271b66a12fc039e014 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-03-29T19:24:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 felicio_aa_dr_sjrp.pdf: 4621912 bytes, checksum: fcb824edfc225a271b66a12fc039e014 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-02-21 / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / O Brasil é o principal produtor de cana-de-açúcar do mundo e, para que esta demanda seja suprida, muitos compostos químicos são aplicados nas culturas, visando controlar o surgimento e proliferação de pragas. Assim, faz-se o uso dos praguicidas, dentre eles, o diuron (N-(3,4-diclorofenil)-N,N-dimetiluréia), que é aplicado em plantações ao redor do mundo. O diuron pode ser biodegradado em outros três principais compostos o 3,4-dicloroanilina (DCA), 3,4-diclorofenilureia (DCPMU) e 2,4-diclorofenil-N-metilureia (DCPMU). Normalmente, o diuron é aplicado nas plantações juntamente com os alquilfenóis etoxilatos (APE), como o nonilfenol etoxilato (NPE) e o octilfenol etoxilato (OPE), compostos que facilitam a dispersão do diuron. Alguns estudos têm demonstrado que tanto o diuron quanto os alquilfenóis podem causar alterações enzimáticas e/ou estrogênicas em diversos organismos. Dentre as enzimas que podem ser alteradas, estão as enzimas de biotransformação, tanto de fase I (7-etoxirresorufina-O-deetilase – EROD, 7-pentóxiresorufinaO-desalquilase – PROD, 7-benzilóxiresorufina-O-desalquilase – BROD e a P450 aromatase), quanto as de fase II (glutationa-S-transferase – GST) e as proteínas de fase III (resistência a multixenobioticos – MXR). Outros parâmetros que podem sofrer alterações são os antioxidantes (superóxido dismutase – SOD, catalase – CAT, glutationa peroxidase – GPx, glutationa redutase – GR, glutationa-6-fosfato desidrogenase – G6PDH, aldeído desidrogenase – ALDH e peroxidação lipídica), que são os responsáveis pelo controle entre a produção e o combate às espécies reativas de oxigênio (ERO). Dentre os parâmetros endócrinos que podem ser alterados, e então utilizados como biomarcadores, estão as enzimas CYP3A e a 17β-hidroxiesteróide desidrogenase (17β-HSD) e ainda a proteína vitelogenina (Vtg). Assim o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar, em tilápias do Nilo (Oreochromis nilotucus) (1) quais os efeitos do diuron e seus metabólitos, em associação ou não, em diferentes concentrações e (2) quais os efeitos do diuron, seus metabólitos e os alquilfenois, em associação ou não em diferentes concentrações no fígado e nas brânquias de peixes expostos por 7 dias, utilizando os seguintes parametros, EROD, BROD, PROD, GST, MXR, SOD, CAT, GPx, G6PDH e peroxidação lipídica (MDA). Em uma terceira etapa, o objetivo do trabalho foi (3) avaliar parâmetros endócrinos em tilápias mozambique (Oreochromis mossambicus) expostas ao diuron, seus metabólitos e alquilfenóis, em associação ou não, em diferentes concentrações, expostas por 7 dias, em fígado e cérebro dos peixes expostos, analisando os seguintes parâmetros: 17β-HSD, P450 aromatase, CYP3A, vitelogenina e a biotransformação do xenobiótico (in vitro). Nossos resultados demonstraram que, em tilápias do Nilo expostas a esses contaminantes nas concentrações e no tempo de exposição utilizados, todos os biomarcadores analisados sofreram alguma alteração após a exposição, alguns mais expressivos como a EROD, MDA, GPx e G6PDH e outros menos. Os resultados obtidos após a exposição de tilápias mozambique aos contaminantes também nos mostraram alterações, confirmando que esses compostos podem ser considerados desreguladores endócrinos, já que todos os parâmetros endócrinos analisados foram alterados. Assim, os resultados obtidos nos mostraram que realmente o diuron, seus metabólitos e os alquilfenóis podem causar alterações bioquímicas em tilápias do Nilo e mozambique, expostos à concentrações ambientalmente relevantes por sete dias, sendo os metabólitos e os APs os principais compostos a causar alterações nos parâmetros analisados. / Brazil is the main sugar cane producer in the world, and to support these productions many chemical compounds have being apply in agriculture, aiming to control the appearance and proliferation of pests. Therefore, the use of pesticide, as diuron, (N- (3,4-dichlorophenyl) -N,N-dimethylurea), in some crops in the world is common. Diuron can be biodegraded in three others compounds, 3,4-dichloroaniline (DCA), 3,4-dichlorophenylurea (DCPU) and 2,4-dichlorophenyl-N-methylurea (DCPMU). Normally, diuron have being applied associated with alkylphenols ethoxylates (APE), like nonilphenol (NP) and octylphenol (OP), which increase the solubility and dispersion of the herbicide. Some studies have shown that diuron and alkylphenols can cause enzymatic and/or estrogenic changes, in various organisms. Therefore, biotransformation enzymes, phase I (7-ethoxirresorufin-O-deethylase – EROD, 7- pentaxirisorufin-O-dealkylase – PROD, 7-benzyloxysorufin-O-desalkylase – BROD and P450 aromatase), phase II (glutathione-S-transferase-GST) and phase III proteins (multixenobiotic resistance – MXR), and antioxidant parameters (superoxide dismutase – SOD, catalase – CAT, glutathione peroxidase – GPx, glutathione reductase – GR, glutathione-6-phosphate dehydrogenase – G6PDH, aldehyde dehydrogenase – ALDH and lipid peroxidation), which are responsible for the control between production and degradation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The endocrine parameters that can be altered and used as biomarkers are the CYP3A and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) enzymes and the vitellogenin (Vtg) protein. All of these parameters can be altered after exposure of organisms to xenobiotics. Therefore, the aim of this work was evaluate the effects of (1) diuron and its metabolites, alone or in combination, in different concentrations, and the effect of (2) diuron, its metabolites and the alkyphenols, alone or in combination, in different concentration, in liver and gill of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) exposed for 7 days, using as parameters EROD, BROP, PROD, GST, MXR, SOD, CAT, GPx, G6PDH and lipid peroxidation (MDA). In a third step, the aim of the work as (3) evaluate endocrine parameters in mossambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), exposed to diuron, its metabolites and alkyphenols, alone or in combination, in different concentrations for 7 days, in liver and brain, using as parameters 17β-HSD, CYP3A, vitellogenin and xenobiotic biotransformation (in vitro). Our results demonstrated that all contaminants, at the concentration and time of exposure, can cause alteration in all biomarkers, some more than others, as EROD, MDA, GPx and G6PDH, in Nile tilapia, and the results obtained after mozambique tilapia exposure, to the contaminants, also showed changes, confirming that these compounds can be considered endocrine disruptors. Thus, the results showed that diuron, its metabolites and alkylphenols could cause biochemical changes in fish, Nile and mossambique tilapia, exposing to the environmentally relevant concentrations for seven days, being diruon metabolites and APs the main compounds to cause changes in the analyzed parameters. / FAPESP: 2014/18825-9
12

Study on the oxygen tolerance of milkfish (Chanos chanos), mullet (Liza macrolepis) and Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)

Wang, Tian-Yuan 19 July 2003 (has links)
Dissolved oxygen (DO) level is a critical factor for the survival of fishes and sustainable management of an aquatic ecosystem. This study aims to investigate the lethal thresholds of three major fish species in the Love River, Kaohsiung, S. W. Taiwan, in an attempt to provide ecological points of view for the further improvement of the river-water quality, as well as for the restoration of its fish community. Laboratory tolerance experiments of fish fries, including mullet (Liza macrolepis), milkfish (Chanos chanos) and tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), exposed to low levels of dissolved oxygen were conducted in the period of January 2002 to April 2003. At water temperature of 23¢J, median lethal times (LT50) and 48 hours median lethal concentrations (48h LC50) at the salinity of 10‰, 20‰ and 30‰ were determined, respectively. We also carried out a lethal DO experiment to mullet fry in a sudden drop of salinity from 30‰ to 20‰, which is always the case when the sewage gate of the Love River interception system is opened to avoid flooding after heavy rainfall. Under the condition of 20‰ salinity, the tolerance of low dissolved oxygen for the three species of fish fries were significantly different. Among them, milkfish was found to be the most sensitive species, followed by mullet, whereas tilapia was the most tolerant species. The 48h LC50s of milkfish, mullet and tilapia were 15.7, 8.6 and 7.8% air saturation, respectively, which were 1.16, 0.63 and 0.57 mg/l at 23¢J. Similarly, the LT50s also showed species-specific differences. At DO level of 0.52 mg/l, the LT50s were 77.9 minutes for milkfish, 245.7 minutes for mullet and over 1000 minutes for tilapia. The changing of salinity affecting the tolerance of low dissolved oxygen in fish fries was species depending. The DO lethal concentrations of mullet fry increased with the decrease of salinity, but not the case for milkfish fries. The 48h LC50 of mullet fries in 30‰ saline water was 11.5% air saturation (0.8 mg/l), which was higher than those in 10‰ and 20‰ saline water. However, no significant difference in 48h LC50 was found between milkfish kept in 10‰ and 20‰ saline water. The 48h LC50 for the former was 14.9% air saturation while the latter was 15.7%. Both are equivalent to 1.16 mg/l at water temperature of 23¢J. A rapid change of salinity reduced the low Do tolerance of fish fry. When mullet fry were introduced to 20‰ saline water from acclimated salinity of 30‰, its 48h LC50 raised significantly (13.9% air saturation; 1.02 mg/l). Under the DO concentration of 0.52 mg/l, the LT50 also dropped to 7.6 minute. It means that the opening of sewage interception gate largely challenges the survival fish fry. Based on the results of current study, the DO level of Love River is suggested to be maintained beyond 2.19 mg/l (28 % air saturation, 48h LC50 of milkfish at 10‰ salinity and 23¢J water temperature), in order to achieve a sustainable environment for the present fish community. In case of that DO occasionally fall to the above level, it is strongly recommended that a manual aeration system should be operated within 100 minutes.
13

Studies on the ichthyo-fauna in Plover Cove Reservoir: with special reference to Tilapia mossambica (Peters).

Man, Shek-hay, Hanson., 文錫禧. January 1974 (has links)
published_or_final_version / Botany / Master / Master of Philosophy
14

The effects of DDE on the health of the Mozambique Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)

Bremner, Kieren Jayne 02 May 2012 (has links)
M.Sc. / The organochlorine insecticides were amongst the first pollutants shown to cause adverse population effects. The potential adverse effects of these pollutants on wildlife are a cause for great concern. Severities of their effects were sometimes surprising given the low levels of the compounds in environmental compartments such as surface waters and soils. High lipophilicity combined with chemical stability and very slow biodegradation are characteristic features of these toxic Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). Regional declines in fish, bird as well as invertebrate populations resulting from long term exposure to POPs such as 1,1-bis (4-chlorophenyl) -2,2,2-trichloroethane (DDT) and its stable metabolite 1,1-bis (4-chlorophenyl) -2,2-dichloroethene (DDE), could be related to some biochemical, endocrine and physiological effects in individuals. Some POPs have been suggested to have negative effects disrupting physiological processes and resulting in alterations of homeostasis, reproduction, development and behavior. Such adverse effects upon populations may be avoided if the potential of chemicals to cause them is recognized before problems arise. The aim of this study was to determine whether or not the ongoing spraying of DDT in the Limpopo Province is negatively affecting the health of aquatic species found in surface water of the area. Extensive research has shown that biomarkers have been very effective in the trace determination of a number of adverse effects caused by metals, and thus, are also being used for POPs. A battery of biomarkers (EROD, CAT and CEA) were used, both in the field and in a controlled laboratory environment, in order to try and determine the long term effects of exposure to low environmentally relevant levels of DDE in the selected area. DDT levels in the biota, water and sediment samples were also measured to determine the possible levels of exposure. Dose-response relationships were most successfully determined by the EROD and the CEA biomarkers in this study. In a controlled laboratory study, a definite effect was noted on the Mozambique Tilapia with increasing concentrations of DDE. In the natural environment, dose-response relationships to DDE exposure were more difficult to quantify as additional chemicals and natural environmental stressors also affect the results.
15

Testicular apoptotic activity in two bio-sentinel fish species inhabiting an aquatic ecosystem in an area where continual DDT spraying occurs : utility of immunohistochemical assays

Patrick, Sean Mark 08 July 2009 (has links)
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as DDT have the ability to disrupt hormonally controlled processes, such as spermatogenesis, which is the maturation of germ cells into spermatozoa. During normal spermatogenesis, germ cell apoptosis can occur, but the degree of apoptosis within the testis could possibly be affected by exposure to EDCs. In 2004, a pilot study on the reproductive health of two freshwater fish species, Oreochromis mossambicus and Clarias gariepinus, from three impoundments in the Luvuvhu River, found concerning levels of DDT and its metabolites in both species from the Nandoni Dam, and in O. mossambicus from the Xikundu Weir. This was not surprising as a large part of the Luvuvhu River catchment is located within an area where ongoing DDT-spraying occurs for vector control purposes. Hence, in 2006, a larger WRC-funded project began to further investigate the findings from the pilot study. A subsidiary study, spanning two seasons, was initiated to investigate testicular apoptosis in fish from the polluted systems, the Nandoni Dam (ND) and the Xikundu Weir (XW), as well as a reference site, the Albasini Dam (AD), utilizing caspase-3 and TUNEL immunoexpression as apoptotic markers. In addition, three fixatives, Bouin’s Fluid (BF), Neutrally Buffered Formalin (NBF) and Paraformaldehyde (PFA), were used to determine which would be the optimal fixative for both histological and immunohistochemical assessments. Sampling occurred during season 1, the low-flow season (October 2007), during DDT spraying of the surrounding area, and season 2, the high–flow season (February 2008), two months after the DDT-spraying was completed. The testes of O. mossambicus (n = 19 season 1, n = 25 season 2) and C. gariepinus (n = 19 season 1, n = 20 season 2) were fixed in the above-mentioned fixatives, embedded in paraffin wax, prepared for immunohistochemistry, and exposed to caspase-3 antibodies and TUNEL antibodies individually. The results indicated that the residues of p,p´-DDT - DDD and - DDE were found in the fat samples of both O. mossambicus and C. gariepinus, in AD, ND and XW. Testicular apoptotic assessment using the caspase-3 assay clearly labeled spermatocytes in the process of cellular death in both seasons, in all three fixatives. When comparing the two assays, a significant difference is found between the caspase-3 and TUNEL positive cells. The results further show that, when comparing the three sampling sites, the highest amount of positive cells are found at the XW. The decrease observed in season two, in both the caspase-3 and TUNEL assay may possibly be linked to the stage of spermatogenesis, coinciding with hormonal changes associated with the different sampling seasons (i.e. breeding and non-breeding seasons). The levels of DDT found in the fat tissue, could not be correlated to an up-regulation in apoptotic cells. The results The results indicated that the choice of fixative, could affect the identification of the amount of positive cells. The utility of the caspase-3 and TUNEL assays, in conjunction with all three fixatives, proves a successful tool in assessing and quantifying modulated testicular apoptosis, creating greater research potential in the assessment of the effects of aquatic pollution. Copyright / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Physiology / unrestricted
16

Characterization of the molecular genetic variation in wild and farmed Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus in Ghana for conservation and aquaculture development

Anane-Taabeah, Gifty 01 February 2019 (has links)
The Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus is native to Africa and middle East, and is an important source of nutrition for many in sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding the genetic diversity within and differentiation among wild populations can help identify O. niloticus populations that are imperiled and require directed management, especially because of increasing threats to the species' long-term persistence in the wild, including habitat destruction, overfishing, climate change, and hybridization with farmed populations. Knowledge of the genetic variation among wild populations also can contribute to foundation and selection of genetically diverse populations for aquaculture. I assessed the genetic variation among tilapia populations using fin-clips collected between December 2014 and July 2017 from 14 farmed sources, mostly originating from cage farms on the Volta Lake, and 13 wild sources from nine river basins in Ghana. I also conducted a laboratory growth experiment in Ghana with two wild populations to evaluate the tolerance of different genotypes to high temperatures, to inform their development for aquaculture in West Africa. I found that pure O. niloticus populations persist in the wild but some have been extensively introgressed with the closely related species, O. aureus, which has not previously been documented in Ghana. Additionally, some wild populations appear to have recently declined significantly in numbers, likely due to overfishing and habitat modification, the latter primarily as a result of illegal alluvial mining ongoing in Ghana. Analysis of the farmed populations revealed that at least two farms were growing the unapproved genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) and related strains, and that escaped individuals are admixed into some wild populations. The results of my laboratory experiment showed that O. niloticus populations occurring in northern Ghana already may be adapted to warmer temperatures and could be developed and used purposefully in aquaculture, taking advantage of their adaptation. To protect remnant pure O. niloticus populations in the wild, timely conservation decisions should be made and implemented. Protecting wild O. niloticus populations also would ensure that pure germplasms are available to develop aquaculture stocks from native populations. / Ph. D. / The Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus is an important food source for many people in Africa. However, many wild populations may be at risk of population decline and extinction because of increasing human activities such as overfishing and farming of non-native strains. Understanding the genetic differences among wild populations and comparing them with farmed strains can inform protection of wild populations and also help develop aquaculture strains using native populations as genetic resources. I assessed the genetic differences among tilapia populations using fin-clips I collected between December 2014 and July 2017 from 14 farmed sources, mostly originating from cage farms on the Volta Lake, and 13 wild sources from nine river basins in Ghana. I also conducted a laboratory study with two wild populations to test their tolerance to high water temperature. My research showed that pure O. niloticus populations still occur in Ghanaian rivers, but some have reproduced widely with a similar species, O. aureus, which is not known to occur in Ghanaian rivers. I also found that some wild populations may have reduced population sizes because of overfishing or because their environments have been impacted by illegal mining occurring in almost all Ghanaian rivers. My results indicated that at least two farms were growing the genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) and related varieties, some of which have escaped the farms and mixed with wild populations. The results of my laboratory experiment showed that O. niloticus populations occurring in northern Ghana may be adapted to warmer water temperatures and could be selectively bred and used in aquaculture. The information generated from my research should help in making timely conservation decisions, which should help protect the remnant pure O. niloticus populations in the wild and contribute to developing aquaculture responsibly.
17

Ecosystem health of the Phongola floodplain, South Africa, based on fish diversity, community structure and health of selected species / Jürgen Johannes Streicher de Swardt

De Swardt, Jürgen Johannes Streicher January 2015 (has links)
Following the construction of the Pongolapoort Dam in 1974, the potential impacts on the lower Phongolo River and floodplain due to alterations in the natural flow regime have caused concerns. Fish communities and population structures are directly influenced by these alterations. The only protected section of the Phongolo River is a 15 km reach and its associated pans that flow through the Ndumo Game Reserve. Historic data shows that the community and population structure of the fish in the Phongolo Floodplain has changed as a result of irregular flood releases. The Ndumo Game Reserve plays an important role in the conservation of many ecologically and economically important species as the pans inside the reserve serve as a refuge area in which these species can breed to replenish the fish numbers in the Phongolo River. The fish diversity inside the Ndumo Game Reserve is also higher when compared to outside. During the high flow period fish move into the floodplain pans as a result of the higher water level. Oreochromis mossambicus, the most common species found in this area, utilize Nyamiti Pan for breeding but the health of this species is under pressure due to severe infestations of Lernaea cyprinacaea and nematode parasites. Lernaea cyprinacaea is a parasitic copepod associated with the introduced exotic fish species Cyprinus carpio which is found in large numbers in various pans inside Ndumo Game Reserve. The presence of this alien species in the refuge area raises concerns as it competes for the same resources as the economically important native fish species. Nyamiti Pan is largely populated by adult cichlid species between the ages of six and ten years old. The importance of flood releases which simulate natural flow regime is emphasised by the negative impacts irregular floods have on fish health, community and population structure. / MSc (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015
18

Ecosystem health of the Phongola floodplain, South Africa, based on fish diversity, community structure and health of selected species / Jürgen Johannes Streicher de Swardt

De Swardt, Jürgen Johannes Streicher January 2015 (has links)
Following the construction of the Pongolapoort Dam in 1974, the potential impacts on the lower Phongolo River and floodplain due to alterations in the natural flow regime have caused concerns. Fish communities and population structures are directly influenced by these alterations. The only protected section of the Phongolo River is a 15 km reach and its associated pans that flow through the Ndumo Game Reserve. Historic data shows that the community and population structure of the fish in the Phongolo Floodplain has changed as a result of irregular flood releases. The Ndumo Game Reserve plays an important role in the conservation of many ecologically and economically important species as the pans inside the reserve serve as a refuge area in which these species can breed to replenish the fish numbers in the Phongolo River. The fish diversity inside the Ndumo Game Reserve is also higher when compared to outside. During the high flow period fish move into the floodplain pans as a result of the higher water level. Oreochromis mossambicus, the most common species found in this area, utilize Nyamiti Pan for breeding but the health of this species is under pressure due to severe infestations of Lernaea cyprinacaea and nematode parasites. Lernaea cyprinacaea is a parasitic copepod associated with the introduced exotic fish species Cyprinus carpio which is found in large numbers in various pans inside Ndumo Game Reserve. The presence of this alien species in the refuge area raises concerns as it competes for the same resources as the economically important native fish species. Nyamiti Pan is largely populated by adult cichlid species between the ages of six and ten years old. The importance of flood releases which simulate natural flow regime is emphasised by the negative impacts irregular floods have on fish health, community and population structure. / MSc (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015
19

Assessment of sperm motility parameters and testicular histology as reproductive indicators for two freshwater fish species in a DDT sprayed area, South Africa

Marchand, Marcelle Jamagne 08 May 2012 (has links)
PhD / An important component of fish health is an optimally functioning reproductive system. The Luvuvhu River Catchment in the Limpopo Province, South Africa, is a tropical, high-risk malaria area where 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT), an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC), has been used annually since 1945 as a malaria vector control. DDT is known to affect testes morphology and motility of fish sperm. As such, testicular histology and sperm motility (kinematic) parameters were studied as reproductive indicators of the reproductive capacity for two wild, indigenous fish species (Oreochromis mossambicus and Clarias gariepinus) from the currently DDT sprayed area. Three field studies were carried out over two years (2007 – 2008), including two high flow (HF) periods and one low flow (LF) period [HF 1 (March 07), LF (October 07), HF 2 (February 08)]. Both species were sampled from three sites on the Luvuvhu River for testicular histology and computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA), during all three field studies. The sites included a reference site outside the DDT sprayed area, Albasini Dam (AD), and two exposed sites within the DDT sprayed area, Xikundu Weir (XW) and Nandoni Dam (ND). CASA, based on open-source software, was used for the first time in South Africa to assess sperm kinematic parameters of indigenous fish species in field conditions. These included percent motile sperm (% MOT), curvilinear velocity (VCL μm s-1), velocity of an average path (VAP μm s-1), straight line velocity (VSL μm s-1), linearity (LIN %), progression (PROG μm), and average efficiency (AVE. EFF.). Water and sediment samples were collected during all field studies from the three sites for metal and EDC analysis. Controlled laboratory studies were also carried out on the sperm of both species, externally sourced from aquaculture farms equipped to breed and raise fish in toxicant free water. The laboratory studies involved in vitro exposure of spermatozoa to two different, but environmentally relevant, concentrations of both DDT (DDT 1: 0.27 μg L-1; DDT 2: 0.5 μg L-1) and 1,1-dihloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDE) (DDE 1: 0.11 μg L-1; DDE 2: 1.0 μg L-1) with the aim to provide data to support the possible outcomes found in the field studies using CASA. Furthermore, peroxidation of sperm lipids was assayed by production of malondialdehyde (MDA) after in vitro exposure of spermatozoa to DDT and DDE. DDT and its metabolites were found in varying concentrations in the water from all three sites (0.1 μg L-1 – 1.2 μg L-1). Levels of dieldrin (3.5 μg L-1) and lindane (9.4 μg L-1) residues were also found at XW in HF 2. The histological results revealed alterations to testis tissue of both species at all three sites. The testes were assessed through the identification of alterations and an organ index was calculated: Testes Index (IT). The index is indicative of the histological response in the respective tissue type. O. mossambicus at XW had the highest mean IT value during LF (7.45 ± 5.73) and for all field studies combined (5.47 ± 4.63), primarily due to the occurrence of testicular oocytes (intersex), where the frequency of prevalence was 72.73% and 58.82% respectively. These results were statistically higher than the laboratory control (C) group. The CASA results showed statistical differences primarily for O. mossambicus, where motility parameters were lower at XW when compared to AD. Laboratory exposures found a decrease in sperm motility (% MOT) between the control (C) group and the DDT 1, DDE 1 and DDE 2 exposed groups for C. gariepinus. No significant differences were seen for lipid peroxidation (MDA). On the other hand, no significant differences were seen in CASA parameters between the control and exposed laboratory groups for O. mossambicus, but there was an increase in MDA production from the control to the DDT 1 exposure group.

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