The using of Gammarus pulex as a biomonitor in ecological risk assessment of secondary effluent from municipal wastewater treatment plant in Tunceli, Turkey

The objectives of this research are the assessment of secondary effluents (SEs) quality by evaluating chemical parameters and biomarkers. For this purpose, MDA and GSH levels were determined by spectrofotometer. SOD, CAT, and GP(X) activities were determined by using ELISA kit in the groups of control and the groups exposed to SE. The level of MDA and the activities of SOD in Gammarus pulex vary depending on the exposure time. GSH levels and GSH-P-X activities increased in G. pulex exposed to the effluent compared to the control during 24 h and 96 h. CAT activities were in SE group were found lower than the control in G. pulex during 24 h and 96 h. Current experimental results show that SOD, CAT, GP(X) activities, and GSH and MDA levels in G. pulex are sensitive and appropriate responses for assess the effects of anthropogenic contaminants on the aquatic ecosystems, particularly effluent complex mixtures.