Histopathological characteristics of Coregonus fishes under the impact of metal industry

Abstract

This article provides results from monitoring studies of the state of common whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus L.) inhabiting the border Pasvik River and a number of lakes of Northern Fennoskandia. The water catchment area is subject to a significant contamination by coper, nickel, and sulfur dioxide due to the airborne transport of emissions from the Pechenganikel smelter. The ecological situation near the smelter is evaluated as very unfavorable and requires constant control, including the monitoring of aquatic systems. We used histopathologies of gills, liver, and kidneys as biomarkers to diagnose the state of sparsely rakered whitefish. Changes in their cellular structure were diagnosed and classified. The presence of the revealed abnormalities is associated with long-term aerotechnogenic stress on the investigated water bodies. The possibility of using the obtained data for assessing water quality has been considered.