Multibiomarker responses in aquatic insect Belostoma elegans (Hemiptera) to organic pollution in freshwater system

Abstract

The present study analyzes a battery of biomarkers in the water bug Belostoma elegans from a stream polluted with organic matter (OMS), and another one considered as reference site (RS) during spring-summer season (December to March). Biochemical parameters of glucidic, lipidic and oxidative metabolic pathways were analyzed in males and females of this insect. In general, no significant differences were observed in all biomarkers assayed between both sexes, except lactate concentration which was higher in males than in females (p < 0.0006) in the first three months. About carbohydrate metabolism parameters, only pyruvate-kinase showed significant differences between insects collected in both streams (p < 0.05) during December. However, the total lipid content, saturated fatty acid, and mainly triacylglycerol were higher in insects from RS compared to those from OMS (p < 0.002) in all sampled months. Levels of lipoperoxidation, protein oxidation, reduced glutathione and glutathione-S-transferase activity showed no differences between insects collected from both streams. Nevertheless, the significant increase observed in superoxide dismutase and catalase activities (p < 0.004) could be due to the elevated oxidative metabolism in insects from RS compared to those from OMS with lower dissolved oxygen. Regarding those responding parameters, males accounted for the differences between the two sites during the study period. In conclusion, our results support that lipidic energetic reserves and antioxidant enzyme activities in B. elegans could be used as biomarkers of environmental pollution by organic matter.

Pollution impacts on water bugs (Nepomorpha, Gerromorpha): state of the art and their biomonitoring potential

“…The application of 17β-estradiol and bisphenol A enhanced, but 4-t-octylphenol and 4-nonylphenol decreased the vitellogenin expression disrupting the reproductive physiology processes (Nagaba et al, 2011 ). A detailed study with Belostoma elegans found that lipid metabolism and increased antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase, catalase) are suitable biomarkers of organic matter pollution, and sex-specific differences were also found in lactate concentration (Lavarias et al, 2017 ). The glutathione S-transferase activity of Cylindrostethus palmaris was higher in oil palm plantations than in forest streams (Mendes et al, 2020 ).…”

Thermodynamic analysis of pollution and treatment of organic matter in water

“…The unpredictability of chemical degradation relative to the consequences of biodegradation and the incomplete degradation of physical methods have the characteristics of predictable results, controllable conditions, complete degradation, recycling of reagents and equipment, etc., and have good feasibility. Lavarias et al [9] clarifies the synergistic effect of sunlight on organic pollutants in biodegradable lake waters, and compares the degradation under laboratory simulation conditions with the degradation under natural conditions, and proposes future development prospects and research directions in this field. Zeng et al [10] uses quaternary ammonium salt cationic surfactant to graft and modify peat, and optimizes the modification conditions.…”

Estado sanitario de tortugas dulceacuícolas de la familia <i>Chelidae</i> en arroyos pampásicos de llanura y serranos con distinto impacto de contaminación

“…64), por contar con úlceras en el caparazón, pero también con temnocéfalos, parámetro que indica una mejor calidad ambiental (ver más adelante). Esto va en consonancia con estudios comparativos entre los arroyos de la zona basados en parámetros fisicoquímicos y biológicos los que determinaron alteraciones en todos los casos, aunque con una mejor calidad ambiental en el A° Carnaval respecto del resto (López Van Oosterom et al 2015, Lavarías et al 2017. Así mismo, las tortugas que presentaron úlceras con mayor grado de severidad provinieron de los arroyos Martín, El Gato y sector B2 del Buñirigo (Fig.…”