Effect of temperature, salinity, pH and naphthalene on ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity of Oreochromis mossambicus

Abstract

Hepatic ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity of Oreochromis mossambicus was examined in response to naphthalene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) as a bioindicator of exposure. This study also examined the effects of varying water parameters such as salinity, temperature, and pH on this fish model. Temperature, salinity, and pH produced cyclic changes in EROD activity which increases and/or decreases. After exposure to lower naphthalene concentrations up to 6 ppm, no marked change in activity was noted, whereas at higher concentrations EROD activity was increased. Data suggest that EROD measurement may be useful as a potential biomarker for the detection of hydrocarbon pollution. © 2010 Taylor & Francis.