Investigation of antioxidant responses in Gammarus pulex exposed to Bisphenol A

Micro pollutants are one of the most important environmental problems in the world. In this study, it was aimed to investigate antioxidant responses of Gammarus pulex exposed to an endocrine disrupting substance Bisphenol A (BPA). For this purpose, individuals of G. pulex, which make up living materials, were provided from cultured living beings at Munzur University Faculty of Fisheries Research Laboratory. Enzymatic antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels were determined in three different groups (A, B, C) and BPA treated groups at different concentrations and during 24 and 96 hours of application. Biochemical biomarkers were measured in a microplate reader using the ELISA method. When we compared SOD enzyme activity with control, it increased in all groups during both administration periods. This increase was statistically significant after 24 hours (p <0.05) and was not significant after 96 hours (p> 0.05). CAT enzyme activity decreased in all groups when compared with control (p <0.05). GSH levels were increased after 24 and 96 hour treatment periods in both groups when compared to control (p <0.05). TBARS levels increased in all groups when compared to the control group (p <0.05). Against BPA, changes in the levels of SOD, CAT enzymes and GSH and TBARS in Gammarus pulex tissues have been shown to be useful as biomarkers. It has also been proven that G. pulex is an effective bioindicator that reflects BPA pollution in terms of water quality. The different results of biochemical biomarkers can be evaluated as a marker of possible metabolic processes, and the biochemical response of G. pulex can reveal to some extent the environmental consequences of BPA pollution resulting from industrial waters. Key Words: Bisphenol A, Antioxidant enzymes, G. pulex