The use of biomarkers to determine the effects of water pollution on the odonata larvae, Aeshna affinis, in Sariçay Creek (ÇAnakkale- Turkey)

The use of biomarkers in pollution monitoring studies is well-established, but the type of biomarkers which are suitable for use under oxidative stress conditions in this field is not well-known. In this study, biomarker responses to Na+, K+-ATPase, glutathione (GSH) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were examined, in the presence of water pollution caused by Aeshna affinis, on odonata larvae collected from Sariçay, some parts of which are subject to domestic, industrial and agricultural pollution. As a result of the study, a significant increase was observed in GSH and TBARS levels in Aeshna affinis individuals collected from the polluted area compared with the living organisms collected from the unpolluted area (p<0.05) whereas a considerable inhibition of Na+, K+-ATPase enzyme activity was discovered (p<0.05). The findings of the study suggest that the polluted area of Sariçay is under oxidative stress from water pollution by Aeshna affinis, which is, however, tolerated by an antioxidant defense system. In addition, the biomarkers used in this study appear to be suitable indicators to see the effects of water pollution on living organisms.