Effects of acute crude oil exposure on basic physiological functions of Persian sturgeon, Acipenser persicus

Hematological parameters are suitable biomarkers for evaluating the potential risk of the chemicals. The aim of this study was to investigate of acute crude oil exposure on basic physiological functions of Persian sturgeon,Acipenser persicus. 210 juvenile Persian sturgeon (9.4 ± 1g) were supplied by the Rajaei fish farm in Mazandaran Province, Iran. Juveniles were exposed to the crude oil (15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 ppm). The 96h-LC50 were detected under static condition by SPSS software. Hematological and biochemical parameters were compared between control group and treatment exposed to 96h-LC50. The median lethal concentration was 16.5 ppm in 96 h toxicity test. WBC, RBC, Hb and MCHC decreased, while MCV, MCH and PCV were significantly higher in the treatment which exposed to LC50 concentration (P<0.01). Results of differential leukocyte count showed that after treatment with LC50 concentration, neutrophils and monocytes increased, while lymphocytes and eosinophils decreased (P<0.01). Biochemical parameters showed an increase in serum glucose (p<001). Other parameters including total protein, ALT, AST, ALP and LDH enzymes decreased in treatment group significantly (p<0.01). Our results provides evidences that crude oil may have disruptive action on the erythropoietic tissue which may be due to its influence on the viability of the cells. Crude oil also inhibited all of the enzymes activities leading to hyperglycemia due to stress inoculation

By-catch of sturgeon juveniles in beach seine fishing method in Mazandaran Province, northeast Iran

In an attempt to recognize the harmful fishing times and locations for sturgeons, we used catch statistic to evaluate by-catch of sturgeon juveniles during beach seine fishing over the years 2001-2002 in Mazandaran Province. We found that over the fishing period, 23760 hauls were conducted during which 103000 sturgeons were caught. The highest by-catch occurred in October (37% of the catch) and the lowest occurred in January (5% of the catch). The maximum sturgeon catch per haul was 14.2 in autumn decreasing through the year with 1.26 sturgeon fish caught in each haul in spring. The species composition of the by-catch sturgeon juveniles was determined to be Persian sturgeon (54%), Stellatus sturgeon (37%), Beluga (6%), Russian sturgeon (2%) and Spiny sturgeon (1%)

A comparative analysis of feeding habits of sturgeon fish in shallow coastal waters of Mazandaran and Golestan Provinces, south Caspian Sea

Feeding habits of different genera of 354 sturgeon specimens (Acipenser persicus, Acipenser nudiventris, Acipenser stellatus) were compared over the years 1999-2000 caught in the coastal waters less than 20 meters deep of Mazandaran and Golestan provinces, southern Caspian Sea. The caught specimens ranged 30-18cm in length. Overall, 16 families of food items were identified in the digestive system of the sturgeon specimens, of which 11 belonged to macro-benthos. The sturgeon fishes preyed on food items composed of Annelids 50.8%, Amphipoda 41.5%, small fish 4.8%, Decapoda 2% and Bivalvia 0.9%. Fish specimens shorter than 40 cm were mostly found feeding on shrimps, polychaets and gamarids. The 41-80cm length class mostly fed on shrimps, gamarids, polychaets, bivalves and smaller fish. Sturgeons longer than 80cm fed mostly on shrimps and smaller fish. Average fat coefficient for Acipenser stellatus was 0.43. A. persicus showed a fat coefficient 0.63 while that of the A. nudiventris was 0.97. Average stomach fullness was 8.3, for Acipenser stellatus, 100 for A. nudiventris and 165 for A. persicus. We found a similar diet between group one fish less than 40 cm long and group two with fish in the length class 41 to 80cm (r=0.7)

The effects of creosote on mortality rate and blood biochemical factors of stellate sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus)

The effects of creosote on stellate sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus) juveniles each weighing 3.6 ±1 grams was evaluated. Acute toxicity test was undertaken in static water quality at 22 degree C plus or minus 1 according to the OECD method at the Caspian Sea Ecology Institute in 2005. The effect was assessed based on the results of the acute toxicity test. For the test, the hematological and biochemical properties of one control and five experimental groups of the fish juveniles what were exposed to creosote were compared. The acute toxicity test lasting 96 h was performed in fully static water condition with aeration

Physicochemical characteristic of Penaeus indicus ponds in coastal area of Gorgan Bay (Mazandaran province)

A series of studies were conducted to evaluate the possibility to culture Penaeus indicus in coastal area of Gorgan bay concerning the proper climate potential of Behshahr zone during summer till autumn 2000. Thirty two water samples were collected from four shrimp ponds for further laboratory studies to measure some physicochemical parameters such as: temperature, pH, salinity, transparency, nitrogen, phosphorus, D.O. according to the Russian Standard (1988). As a result, the range of water temperature, pH, salinity and trasparency were 24.5-29.0°C, 8.02-8.18, 31.5-43.5 ppt and 21-50cm, respectively and the fluctuation concentration of D.O, NH^+4, NO^-2, PO4^-3 were 3.8-9.5 ml/l, 0.0022-0.015, 0.0021-0.1210 and 0.0145-0.3710 mg/l, respectively. As a conclusion, this shrimp species can be easily adopted with different climate, so this region is suitable for shrimp culture as view point of temperature and salinity. For demonstration of this issue, the semi-intensive shrimp culture has been successful. Also the toxic material such as ammonia and nitrite did not show any restriction for shrimp culture

Some hematological and biochemical changes in blood serum of Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) vaccinated with Aeromonas hydrophila following exposure to sublethal concentration of diazinon

.Diazinon is commonly used for pest control in the agricultural fields in north of Iran. This study was conducted to determine the chronic toxicity of organophosphorous pesticide (Diazinon) in vaccinated fish and its effects on some hematological parameters and biochemical blood plasma profiles of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella).This experiment was carried out in three groups. The first group was vaccinated and exposed to diazinon (group A) while the second group was vaccinated and bathed with PBS bath (group B). The remaining fish were used as unvaccinated fish and were kept in clean water separately (group C). Diazinon was applied at concentrations of 2 mg/L for 12 hours since the experiments were initiated. The experimental groups(A and B) showed significantly lower values (p < 0.05) of erythrocyte count, haemoglobin content, haematocrit, leucocytes, Lymphocyte, myelocyte and monocyte, as well as in alkaline phosphatases, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and, lactate dehydrogenase compared to the control group(C). Values of MCV, MCH and MCHC of experimental species (A and B) were compared to the control group(C). The results of examinations of the biochemical blood plasma profile indicate a marked neurotoxic effect of diazinon in fishes. Changes in values of both erythrocyte and leukocyte profile after exposure to diazinon-based preparation may be referred to disruption of haematopoiesis as well as to a decrease on non-specific immunity of the fis

Concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Zn, and Pb) in muscle and liver tissues of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L., 1758) from coastal waters of Golestan Province

Concentrations of four heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Zn, and Pb) in the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were assessed in winter, spring and summer seasons of the years 2008. Four coastal areas in the west and east, Gomishan Marsh and Gorgan Bay including 11 sites were sampled. After biometrical measurements of the fish, specimens of muscle (104) and liver (36) tissues were immediately frozen and transferred to laboratory for assessment of heavy metal concentration. Dry ash method and atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS) of Perkin Almer (400 model, German) were used to assess metals concentration. In the process, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey-test were implemented. Heavy metals concentration in kidney tissue was higher than muscle tissue. In carp muscle tissue, level of zinc was highest and the next categories were those of lead, cadmium and chromium, respectively. A significant difference was observed between chromium concentrations in muscle tissue of Cyprinus carpio with sex (P<0.05). The concentrations of heavy metals in liver tissues were higher than those of the muscle tissues and in all cases; they were lower than mean allowable concentrations of international standards (WHO, UK, MAFF and NHMRC)

Study of possibilities of aquaculture activities in the Gorgan Bay

The Gorgan golf is one of unique ecosystem in Iran which has plenty of known and unknown ecological values. Different agents threaten this ecosystem such as severe exploitation of natural resource on human behalf. This must be restricted using an accepted programs otherwise the ecological situation of the Gorgan golf will be worsen and finally to be died. In these study biological circumstances of the golf has been investigated in order to evaluate its ecological capacity to develop a sustainable aquaculture activities. This study started from Sep, 2010 and lasted to Oct, 2011. On the basis of the results from this study, and with considerations of all environmental conditions some aquatic organisms recommended for aquaculture purposes such as common carp (Cyprinus carpio), Caspian sea salmon (Salmo truta caspius), sturgeons stellate (Acipenser stellatus), Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) and the great sturgeon (Huso huso). The farming procedure recommended as pen culture. In this study, the suitable surface of each pen, required information over each cultured species, suitable density and the amount of catch for each species have been determined. The amount of Nitrogen and Phosphorous originated from feeding and also secreted from fish species as the pollution index entered into the farming sites. The authorized amount of pollution factors for production and aquaculture in the Gorgan golf has been determined. In addition the study over the structure type for farming and also the suitable site for pen culture with consider to the facilities and conditions have been done. With notice to the above, with developing the aquaculture in this ecosystem, local workers will be run and plenty of capital will be invested and finally this will tend to the great revenues by producing of favor protein. This industry is able to change the region to a most important sites to produce aquatic organisms

The study of pollution in the Gorgan bay

From an environmental standpoint bays around the world are very important ecosystems including the Gulf of Gorgan Bay and thus are important. Which has a relatively low depth, a little flow, temperature appropriate, biogenic materials and abundant food in the sea suitable for children sometimes place (Nursery ground) and also the perfect place for power (Fattening ground) is an early sea fish. In this research effort will be the initial studies on the impact of environmental pollutants on the ecosystem of the Gulf of Gorgan and the quality and quantity of pollution, especially pollution, agricultural pesticides and entering the Gulf of Gorgan and the impact on the ecosystem's the initial assessment and the monitoring of changes in them over the years. The user in the Gulf of Gorgan, agriculture. Pollution from agricultural fields related to pesticides and fertilizers are used in the fields. According to consumer research, and the remaining amount of pesticides in water and sediments of the Gulf of measured, indicated that most of the remains of chlorinated pesticides in sediments of the pesticides used in the agricultural sector In addition, all the toxins in the summer and spring peak. In addition, the DDE concentration compared to other poisons. In the case of other contaminants in the area is now threatened by the Gulf of Gorgan, although not serious, but it seems that the increase in organic matter and reduce the amount of oxygen of the water. The near future to Eutrofication risks in the ecosystem

Environmental assessment of the Digche region in order to the development of warm-water fish culture

Proposed land area within the Environmental impact assessment study boundary is designated for development of warm-water fish culture and located at "49 '55 ° 54 to" 14 '56 ° 54 east longitude, and "7 '15 37 to" 48 '19 37 north latitude, in the Gonbad Kavous county of Golestan province. Currently in Digcheh there are 47 earthen ponds with different dimensions comprising some 380 ha project's overal footprint with an estimated 324ha net area of production ponds, which involves common carp and chinese carp fish farming. Fresh water supply is provided from Gorgan-Roud to the culture ponds by pumping via some mobile pump through a common earthen channel which is shared with agriculture lands of the rural community. Environmental impact assessment studies for the project which in terms of design features, subject to article 2, paragraph (e) of Environmental impact assessment regulation is necessary in order to resolve problems related to water supply , optimization of fish farm's hydraulic systems through the construction of concrete main intake channel and optimization and renewal of pond's weir and outlet structure, intake and drainage channels of production ponds, and also renovation of water pumping systems wich will be resulting in increased farmed fish production and decreased production costs. For optimization of EIA study and achievements to update information by using Geographic Information System(GIS) software, the maps of the study area were provided with scrutiny. Thus, in first step digital map with a scale of 1:500 to1:2000 in AUTO CAD format that shows the project location, prepared with land surveying. Layers of required maps based on Iran Army Geographical Organization base maps for site with conceptual and spatial information of location were provided. General location map of the region, residential areas and villages, roads and other maps needed in studies us ing these layers were produced. Next, the paper output for Cartography maps were prepared using ARC GIS software. The spatial layers with the help of GIS spatial analysis studies by different expert teams of EIA studies (soil and water pollution , social, economic and cultural studies, biological environment, climate and hydrology) , were performed. The output of digital spatial data, spatial analysis and Cartography as various maps, tables or diagrams and graphical analysis were used in various discipline reports. Since implementing the project can be create different and various changes or effects on environment resources (physical, biological, social, economic and cultural) ,thus knowing how these impacts occur will be assist to prevent or reduce their pursuant negative effects the environment impact assessment studies carried out. In order to conduct decision-making process between action and no action alternatives for perform Digcheh Aquaculture project the Leopold matrix and comparison checklist method has been used. The results of the Leopold matrix shows that the action of Project with environmental mitigation measures (+412) is superior to no action Project (-79). Obviously, the modernization and Optimization of Digcheh warm-water fish farming development project have some adverse effects on the environment like other development projects but it seems with considering mitigation measures and performing Environmental Management Plans with regard to positive outcomes for local area, implementation of this project will be provide a lot of positive or favorable outcome for indigenous peoples and fish farmers. As well as with implemention of the Digcheh project problems such as the loss of water in earthen channels, the overall status of fish farming practices, migration from rural to urban areas , lack of employment and consequently low level of income and welfare of the people will be improved and acquire positive trend in the region Consequently in the EIA study final findings, the implementation of Dighcheh fish culture development project is recommended and emphasized