Protective effects of vitamin C and chitosan on blood biochemical parameters in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) exposed to paraquat

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of vitamin C and chitosan on blood biochemical parameters of common carp which are exposed to paraquat. Fish were fed enriched diet with chitosan (1000 mg Kg-1 feed), Vitamin C (1000 mg Kg-1 feed) and vitamin C combined with chitosan and were simultaneously exposed to 0.02 mg L-1 paraquat for 21 days. The results of this study showed that paraquat significantly increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, and significantly increased glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea and creatinine levels as compared with control group (p0.05). Although administration of vitamin C or chitosan (alone) prevented changes in certain blood biochemical parameters in fish exposed to paraquat, the results showed that antioxidant properties of vitamin C are more than chitosan. However, administration of vitamin C and chitosan complex may prevent oxidative stress and inhibit changes in blood biochemical parameters in fish exposed to paraquat

Microplastic in angling baits as a cryptic source of contamination in European freshwaters.

High environmental microplastic pollution, and its largely unquantified impacts on organisms, are driving studies to assess their potential entry pathways into freshwaters. Recreational angling, where many anglers release manufactured baits into freshwater ecosystems, is a widespread activity with important socio-economic implications in Europe. It also represents a potential microplastic pathway into freshwaters that has yet to be quantified. Correspondingly, we analysed three different categories of industrially-produced baits ('groundbait', 'boilies' and 'pellets') for their microplastic contamination (particles 700 µm to 5 mm). From 160 samples, 28 microplastics were identified in groundbait and boilies, with a mean concentration of 17.4 (± 48.1 SD) MP kg-1 and 6.78 (± 29.8 SD) mg kg-1, yet no microplastics within this size range were recorded in the pellets. Microplastic concentrations significantly differed between bait categories and companies, but microplastic characteristics did not vary. There was no correlation between microplastic contamination and the number of bait ingredients, but it was positively correlated with C:N ratio, indicating a higher contamination in baits with higher proportion of plant-based ingredients. We thus reveal that bait microplastics introduced accidentally during manufacturing and/or those originating from contaminated raw ingredients might be transferred into freshwaters. However, further studies are needed to quantify the relative importance of this cryptic source of contamination and how it influences microplastic levels in wild fish