Evaluation of the antioxidant system and neurotoxic effects observed in Rhamdia branneri (Teleostei: Heptapteridae) sampled from streams of the lower Iguazu River basin

The use of multiple biomarkers has been shown to be an efficient method for evaluating environmental contamination. In this work, we evaluate neurotoxic effects and the antioxidant system responses of the R. branneri collected in two streams of lower Iguazu River basin, relating them with different percentage of vegetation coverture, presence of pesticides and fall and winter seasons. The biological samples were collected in March and August of 2015, from two streams that belong to the lower Iguazu River basin (Brazil): the Manoel Gomes River and the Arquimedes Stream. Soil analyses were performed, and the results showed the presence of the following organophosphates in the Manoel Gomes River and the Arquimedes Stream: disulfoton, methyl parathion, and ronnel. The present study detected inhibition of cholinesterase activity in the brain and muscle of fish samples during the fall from the Manoel Gomes River and the Arquimedes Stream. In the Manoel Gomes River, elevated lipoperoxidation was also observed during the fall. It was observed that the increase or decrease of biomarkers was related to temporal variation and, possibly, to the exposure of animals to agrochemicals. Although the Manoel Gomes River and the Arquimedes Stream are located in regions with large areas of vegetation, the soil analyses show that agrochemical residues are able to reach these locations, which suggests that the fauna are in contact with oxidant and anti-cholinesterase agents during the fall, in addition to respond differently during each season.