ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Biochemical and Histopathologic Biomarkers
of Pollution in the uMgeni River System
in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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1
School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal: Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa
2
Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Science University, Medunsa, Pretoria
Submission date: 2023-03-27
Final revision date: 2023-05-22
Acceptance date: 2023-06-12
Online publication date: 2023-08-02
Publication date: 2023-09-08
Corresponding author
Jeffrey Lebepe
School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal: Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2023;32(5):4739-4752
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ABSTRACT
The uMgeni River is one of the most polluted freshwater ecosystems in KwaZulu-Natal. The study
aims to assess the response of Clarias gariepinus to water contamination at the Nagle and Inanda dams
using selected biomarkers. Samples were collected and preserved as per the analyses to be carried
out. Generally, Nagle Dam showed good quality water compared to Inanda Dam. The Inanda Dam
population showed a relatively higher prevalence of alterations in the gills and liver than that from Nagle
Dam. The degree of alterations showed some variability within each population, however, there was no
significant difference (p>0.05) between the two populations. Organ indices of 20 denoting moderate
alterations were observed for both populations. Although the mean AChE activity and VtG induction
showed no significant difference between the two populations (p>0.05); the lowest AChE activity
and the highest VtG level, were observed in the Inanda Dam populations. Both histopathologic and
biochemical biomarkers show signs of severely compromised fish health in the Inanda Dam compared to
those from Nagle Dam. It is thus, evident that the tributaries feeding the uMgeni River downstream of
Nagle Dam are resulting in the increase of pollution level in the Inanda Dam.