Work

Thalassophryne maculosa (Batrachoididae: Thalassophryninae) as a Bioindicator of Mercury-Induced Genotoxicity

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Environmental monitoring requires reliable bioindicators to assess the genotoxic effects of pollutants in aquatic ecosystems. In this study, the marine fish Thalassophryne maculosa was evaluated as a bioindicator of genotoxicity through the application of the micronucleus test. Fish were exposed to varying concentrations of mercuric chloride (HgCl2) (0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 µg HgCl2/g body weight) over different time intervals (24, 48, 72, and 96 h). A dose- and time-dependent increase in nuclear abnormalities, including micronuclei, was observed, with significant chromosomal damage detected at 0.25 and 0.5 µg HgCl2/g body weight. These results demonstrate the sensitivity of T. maculosa to mercury exposure, even at concentrations below regulatory safety thresholds, emphasizing its suitability as a bioindicator for detecting genotoxic contamination in coastal ecosystems. This study provides critical insights into the ecological risks posed by mercury and highlights the potential of T. maculosa to enhance environmental monitoring programs, particularly in regions vulnerable to heavy metal pollution.

Source: Toxics

DOI: 10.3390/toxics13030206

Authors: Mauro Nirchio Tursellino, Nicola Noemi Coppola, Juan Ignacio Gaviria Montoya, Juan Antonio Gómez

Institutions: Universidad Tecnica de Machala, Universidad de Oriente, Universidad de Panamá

Language: English

Topic: Carcinogens and Genotoxicity Assessment

Subfield: Cancer Research

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Life below water, Clean water and sanitation, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137