Biomarkers in catfish Sciades herzbergii (Teleostei: Ariidae) from polluted and non-polluted areas (São Marcos' Bay, Northeastern Brazil).

Biomarkers based on specific enzyme activities and histological alterations are useful tools for evaluating toxicological effects of xenobiotics in wild fish. In this work, an experimental system of biomarkers with enzyme glutathione S-transferase (GST) and branchial lesions in catfish (Sciades herzbergii) was mathematically modeled. The fish were collected along known pollution gradients (S1) and from areas regarded relatively free of anthropogenic input (S2) in São Marcos' Bay, Brazil. GST was measured spectrophotometrically, and branchial lesions were examined by light microscope. The databases from this analysis were compiled, and non-linear models were used to analyze the dependence of the enzyme activity on the areas of sampling and on selected biological parameters of the fish. Fish weight, length, and somatic indices (gonadosomatic index) were significant in the model of GST activity only in A2. Brachial lesions were significant in the model of GST activity only in A1. The obtained model indicates that when the GST ceases to act, serious branchial lesions are observed in the fish of the contaminated regions.