Monitoring of oreochromis responses to metal pollution in Lake Mariut, Alexandria, Egypt

Abstract EN

Results of the present study showed that protein concentration in liver and muscle of Oreochromis aureus at the relatively clean area of Bab El-Abeed of Lake Mariut, Alexandria was higher than that of Oreochromis niloticus at the same region.

Reversely at the polluted area of Moharrem Bey, protein content of Oreochromis niloticus in liver and muscle was higher than of Oreochromis aureus.

At Bab El-Abeed, RNA/DNA ratio of Oreochromis aureus liver and muscle were higher than that of Oreochromis niloticus.

However, RNA/DNA ratio in liver of Oreochromis niloticus at Moharrem Bey was higher than the level recorded for Oreochromis aureus.

X-ray spectra of metals showed that at Bab El-Abeed, liver and muscle samples of Oreochromis niloticus had higher levels of Al, Cu and Zn than that recorded in Oreochromis aureus liver and muscle.

At Moharrem Bey, Al level in liver and Fe in muscle of Oreochromis niloticus were higher than that of Oreochromis aureus.

In conclusion, Oreochromis niloticus seemed to be more tolerant, while Oreochromis aureus was more sensitive to metal pollution.