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Parasites as Biological Indicators: the Impact of Environmental Quality on the Infections of Lamproglena clariae (Crustacea) on Clarias gariepinus Along the Vaal River, South Africa

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Abstract

Anthropogenic activities influence the natural equilibrium of freshwater ecosystems resulting in negative ecological impacts. Differences in the infection variables of Lamproglena clariae in relation to variable water quality influenced by metal pollution were studied at six sites along the Vaal River, South Africa (March 2017 and October 2018). From each sampling site, in situ water quality parameters, water and sediment samples, and a minimum of 10 Clarias gariepinus were collected. Lamproglena clariae specimens collected from the gills of C. gariepinus were used to calculate the prevalence, mean intensity, and mean abundance of the parasite. Metal concentrations in water and sediment were analysed with inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. Parasite intensity correlated negatively with some water quality parameters (conductivity, salinity, pH, total dissolved solids, and dissolved oxygen). Negative correlations were found between L. clariae (intensity and prevalence) and metal concentrations (Cu, Cr, Zn, Cd) in water. Parasite infections were influenced negatively at sites with high metal concentrations recorded in sediment and water and high levels of organic pollution. Sites that were found to be more polluted had lower mean intensity and mean abundance of L. clariae, indicating pollution affects the survival of this ectoparasite.

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Data Availability

Relevant data is provided in publication. Available from the first author on reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

Esmarie Kilian for collecting samples in 2017 and Dr Beric Gilbert for advice and assistance in the field and laboratory. Members of the Parasitology Laboratory, University of Johannesburg for assistance in the field. Spectrum analytical facility at the University of Johannesburg staff for metal analysis.

Funding

This project was supported by the University of Johannesburg (SASOLD-0107) and the National Research Foundation (NRF 116067) to AAO.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, PO Box 524, Johannesburg, 2006, South Africa

    Marilie Pretorius & Annemariè Avenant-Oldewage

Authors
  1. Marilie Pretorius
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  2. Annemariè Avenant-Oldewage
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Contributions

The first author collected specimens in 2018, prepared all specimens for analysis, conducted the statistical analysis, and compiled the first draft of the manuscript and took an active part in every other draft. The second author conceptualised the research question, wrote the funding applications, and obtained funding for the project. She supervised the fieldwork and analysis and actively participated in writing of every draft of the manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Annemariè Avenant-Oldewage.

Ethics declarations

Ethics Approval

Ethical clearance for the project was given during 2018 by the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg (Reference Number 2018–08-06). Permits to collect fish used for research purposes were obtained for study sites located in the following provinces: Mpumalanga (MPB.5575 and MPB.5616), Gauteng (CPE2 No. 000127 and No. 0112, CPE3 No. 000150 and No. 000362, CPE4 No. 000003, CPF6 No. 000193), Free State (No. 01/36510, No. JM3745/2018), and Northern Cape (FAUNA 0616/2018, FAUNA 0617/2018).

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Pretorius, M., Avenant-Oldewage, A. Parasites as Biological Indicators: the Impact of Environmental Quality on the Infections of Lamproglena clariae (Crustacea) on Clarias gariepinus Along the Vaal River, South Africa. Biol Trace Elem Res 200, 2937–2947 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-021-02899-5

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