Gill histopathological and oxidative stress evaluation in native fish captured in Portuguese northwestern rivers

The Northwestern Portuguese region is densely populated and highly industrialized, suffering from high anthropogenic pressure. To assess the biological effect of the several pollutants that are constantly released to the water, a biomarker-based biomonitoring is a promising approach that may provide early-warning signals of pollutants exposure. Fish gill is the first target of pollutants action, thus histopathological and biochemical changes may constitute potential biomarkers. To evaluate this hypothesis, three native fish species (barbel—Luciobarbus bocagei, chub—Squalius carolitertii and nase—Pseudochondrostoma sp.) were sampled in Northwestern Portuguese rivers, the gill histopathological changes were qualitative and quantitatively analyzed and the lipid peroxidation and glutathione-S-transferase activity were determined. A multivariate statistical analysis was performed to establish correlations between these biological responses, environmental variables and ecological status. The quantitative evaluation of the main histopathological changes and oxidative stress responses emphasize the differences, among species, in the responses to the presence of contaminants in water. Discriminant canonical analysis showed that filament epithelium proliferation, necrosis and GST activity were the main contributors to discriminate the ecological status classification. In addition, the results showed that a wide range of environmental factors are influencing fish physiology. In conclusion, the gill biological responses, although not reflecting specific contaminants, can be used as biomarkers of ecosystems perturbation. ► Gill biomarkers were tested in fish catch in Portugal NW. ► The histological evaluation was indicative of some degree of stress. ► The quantitative evaluation of each gill injury revealed differences among species. ► There was an increase in antioxidant defenses in more contaminated sites. ► FEP, necrosis and GST activity contributed to discriminate the ecological status of the sampling sites.