Investigation of pollution-related changes in erythrocyte morphology and number of Pelophylax bedriagae (Camerano, 1882) (Amphibia: Ranidae) living in Gediz river

In this study, Levantine water frog, Pelophylax bedriagae, which live in waters with different pollution levels pouring into Gediz River (Manisa), have been tried to determine whether there is any change due to pollution in erythrocyte morphology and number.The erythrocyte number and morphology of 30 individuals taken from 3 stations, including 2 stations and control stations contaminated with domestic and industrial wastes, were examined. In the examined samples, the average number of erythrocytes in 1 mm3 blood was 310833 in the control station, 387000 in the station contaminated with domestic wastes and 390385 in the station contaminated with industrial wastes. It was observed that the number of erythrocytes in individuals living in polluted stations was higher than the control station. The erythrocyte length and width values were found to be larger in the samples taken from contaminated stations than in the control station. However, when compared with the size and width of the nucleus, samples taken from polluted stations were found to be smaller than the control station. The average erythrocyte volume was 2206 µm3 in the control station, 2539 µm3 in the station contaminated with domestic wastes and 2519 µm3 in the station contaminated with industrial waste. Nucleocytoplasmic ratio was calculated as 0.051, 0.049, 0.061 respectively. As a result, changes in erythrocyte number and morphology of Levantine water frog were observed. The number of erythrocytes increases, probably due to lack of oxygen in the habitat. In addition, while erythrocyte volume increases, nucleus volume does not change and individuals have more oxygen binding potential. Keywords: Bioindication, Gediz river, hematology, pollution, Manisa, Pelophylax bedriagae.