BIOMARKER EKOTOKSIKOLOGI pada IKAN

Summary

In this webinar, Prof. Rizani Ah from the Department of Aquatic Resources Management at Brawijaya University presents research on using biomarkers in aquatic organisms to assess environmental pollution. The study covers various biomarkers, including immune responses, genotoxicity, and endocrine disruption in fish species in East Java. Findings indicate that pollution in the Brantas River Delta has led to a decline in fish health, highlighting the environmental impacts of pollutants like heavy metals, endocrine disruptors, and organochlorines. The research stresses the need for environmental policies to safeguard aquatic life and human health.

Takeaways

• 😀 The webinar is organized by the Department of Aquatic Resource Management at Universitas Brawijaya, focusing on environmental and aquatic health issues.
• 😀 The speaker, Prof. Rizani, is a distinguished professor in Aquatic Resource Management and has a broad academic and research background, including projects in ecological toxicology and environmental pollution.
• 😀 Biomarkers in ecotoxicology are discussed, covering genetic, protein, and metabolic markers that help assess environmental pollution's impact on aquatic organisms.
• 😀 The first research highlighted investigates the immune response and hematological biomarkers in fish to assess health impacts in polluted environments, particularly in East Java, Indonesia.
• 😀 Hematological biomarkers like total leukocyte count, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes are used to assess the immune response of aquatic organisms exposed to pollution.
• 😀 The research indicates that fish populations in polluted areas, such as the Brantas Delta, show declining health, leading to increased mortality and stress on fish species.
• 😀 Fagocytic activity and macrophage count are biomarkers indicating immune defense in fish, with decreased activity in polluted areas, suggesting compromised health.
• 😀 The presentation explores genotoxicity testing in aquatic environments, explaining how chemical substances damage genetic material and contribute to diseases like cancer and aging.
• 😀 Data from studies on micronuclei formation in fish indicate that polluted regions show higher frequencies of these abnormalities, pointing to significant environmental contamination.
• 😀 The endocrine system in fish is affected by pollution, leading to issues like feminization in male fish and hormonal disruptions, which can cause long-term ecological damage.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the presentation?

The main topic discussed is the use of biomarkers in aquatic organisms for environmental health assessment, focusing on the impacts of pollution on fish populations in East Java, Indonesia.

What are biomarkers, and how are they used in this research?

Biomarkers are biological indicators used to assess the health of organisms. In this research, biomarkers like hematological parameters, macrophage activity, and hormonal levels are analyzed in fish to evaluate the impact of pollution on their health.

Why are fish used as model organisms in this study?

Fish are used as model organisms because they are sensitive to environmental changes and pollution. They can provide insights into the effects of pollutants on both individual and ecological levels.

What was the location of the study, and why was it chosen?

The study was conducted in East Java, Indonesia, specifically in the Brantas River Delta. This area was chosen due to its exposure to pollution from industrial and agricultural activities, which has led to declining fish populations.

What kind of pollution was investigated in the study?

The study investigated various types of pollution, including sediment contamination, chemical pollutants, and endocrine disruptors such as organochlorines, which affect fish health.

What are the main findings regarding the effects of pollution on fish populations?

Pollution in the Brantas River Delta has led to a decline in fish health, including changes in immune responses, hormonal imbalances, and increased genotoxicity. This has resulted in higher mortality rates and weakened fish populations.

How do immune responses in fish relate to pollution exposure?

Fish immune responses, particularly through hematological markers like leukocyte count, are used to assess pollution exposure. Changes in immune cells like neutrophils and lymphocytes indicate stress and compromised health due to pollutants.

What role does genotoxicity play in assessing pollution impact on fish?

Genotoxicity refers to the damage caused to genetic material, leading to mutations and potential cancer. In this study, genotoxicity was assessed using tests like micronucleus frequency and SOS/MSC assays to detect DNA damage caused by pollutants.

What is endocrine disruption, and how was it studied in the research?

Endocrine disruption occurs when pollutants interfere with hormonal systems, leading to changes like feminization in male fish. The study measured hormonal levels in fish gonads to assess the impact of pollution on reproductive health.

What are the implications of the findings for the ecosystem and human health?

The findings suggest that polluted waters significantly affect aquatic life, leading to a decrease in fish health, which can disrupt the food chain. Additionally, the contamination of fish by toxic substances poses risks to human health, as polluted fish can enter the food supply.