Comparison of Genotoxic Efficiency in Invasive Gibel Carp and Native Crucian Carp Populations in Lake Büyük Akgöl (Sakarya,Türkiye)

Year 2025, Volume: 53 Issue: 5, 31 - 40, 26.12.2025

Guncha Meredova , Pınar Göç Rasgele , Şerife Gülsün Kırankaya

https://doi.org/10.15671/hjbc.1752569

Abstract

Invasive species are expanding rapidly across freshwater ecosystems, often outcompeting native fauna and inducing profound ecological disruptions. Carassius gibelio, a pervasive invader in European inland waters, poses a major threat to native biodiversity through its ecological plasticity and high competitive ability. This study evaluates the genotoxic responses of the native Carassius carassius and invasive C. gibelio to heavy metal contamination in Büyük Akgöl (Sakarya Drainage, Türkiye). Heavy metals including As, Hg, Cd, Cr, and Pb were analyzed due to their significance as primary indicators of aquatic pollution. Genotoxicity was evaluated using micronucleus (MN), erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities (ENA), and Comet assays. MN and ENA frequencies were significantly higher in C. carassius during winter and summer, whereas C. gibelio showed increased MN frequencies in spring and autumn. Comet assay results indicated greater DNA damage in C. gibelio during winter and summer, while C. carassius exhibited elevated damage in winter and spring. Correlations between MN frequencies and Hg/Cd concentrations suggest higher metal sensitivity in C. carassius. Species-specific biological traits, seasonal metabolic variation, and pollutant interactions likely contribute to observed differences. The findings underscore substantial genotoxic impacts of metal pollution on both species, highlighting their differential biomarker responses and the ecological risk posed by contaminant exposure in the lake.

Keywords

: Comet assay , Micronucleus and Nuclear abnormalities , Carassius carassius , Carassius gibelio.

Supporting Institution

Düzce University Scientific Research Projects Coordinatorship

Project Number

2023.05.01.1409

Thanks

The authors would also like to express their sincere thanks to Havva Özer and Fatma Demir for their valuable contributions to the fieldworks.

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