Biotransformation enzymes in fish as tools for biomonitoring aquatic environment

Biotransformation in fish--as in mammals--is catalyzed by several enzymes. These convert liposoluble endogenous and exogenous substrates to more water-soluble compounds prior to excretion. The biotransformation enzymes are induced by environmental pollutants. The induction can be expected to precede the onset of more serious changes at higher organization levels. We have studied the effect of petroleum from a ship spill and bleached kraft mill effluent on hepatic biotransformation enzyme activities of local fish species perch (Perca fluviatilis) and vedace (Coregonus albula) in Finland. Four months after the petroleum spill an elevated level of monoxygenase as well as glutathione S-transferase enzyme activities was seen in perch. Afterwards the difference between the control perch and the exposed ones disappeared. Bleached kraft mill effluent had effect on hepatic biotransformation in vendace. Increasing exposure time and effluent concentration elevated the activities.