<div>Hepatotoxicity was targeted in Baluchistan Gerbil (Gerbillus nanus) as a biomonitor of pollution with heavy metals near Al-Asfar lake in Al-Ahsa province, KSA. The study showed as compared to reference animals that polluted gerbil&rsquo;s liver recorded significant increase of lead and copper and significant decrease of zinc contents. In addition to significant decrease in RBC count, hemoglobin content, hematocrit percentage, MCH, MCV and MCHC. Also, significant increase in serum liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase) activity was observed. Liver oxidative stress (OS) was evidenced by significant increase in, malondialdehyde level and significant decrease of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzyme activities. Light and ultra-histopathological results assessed the liver tissue impairment. In conclusion, the present study suggested that lead and copper could be the major heavy metals serving hepatotoxicity in gerbils. This study present Gerbillus nanus as the first bio monitor in native wild mammal in Al-Ahsa.&nbsp;</div>


<div>Baluchistan Gerbil hepatotoxicity as a new biomonitor of heavy metal pollution</div>


<div><strong>Background: </strong>Benthic macro invertebrates have a sedentary and long life span, sensitive community response to organic loading, thermal impacts, substrate alteration and toxic pollution. They are regarded as the most informative bio indicators of water pollution. Macro invertebrates and water quality are interrelated to each other, as macro invertebrates are a potential indicator of water quality and therefore have been most frequently used in biomonitoring studies.<br />
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<strong>Methods: </strong>The study area is the tailrace of Dikhow River, a 65 km. a southern tributary of the mighty river Brahmaputra. The stretch was demarcated into five sectors longitudinally. The study was done for a period of two years during which sampling collection was done using sampling methods. Appropriate sized net was used to sample macroinvertebrates. Identification was done using standard identification keys. Pollution tolerance of the species was measured using standard protocols. Using tolerance values, family biotic Indices were measured by Hilsenhoff standard protocols.<br />
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<strong>Result: </strong>Number of pollution sensitive macroinvertebrates were found to be minimum in almost all stations indicating the level of pollution in the stations. Macroinvertebrates with higher tolerance levels were recorded in maximum numbercompared with the standard values to assess the water quality. A total of thirteen (13) species (<em>Rhynchobdellasp, Physellasp, Soletelinasp, Gammarussp, Fenneropeneussp, Isotomussp, Caeniussp, Gomphussp, Lethocerussp, Hydrophylussp, Chaobarussp, Chironomussp</em>) have been recorded during the study period. Among them the species with high pollution tolerance values were recorded in higher number during the study. While compared the family biotic indices as recorded from the stations with the standard data, then station I and station III have been found to&nbsp; be significant organic pollution and other three stations were found to be Fairly significant organic pollution.</div>


Baluchistan Gerbil hepatotoxicity as a new biomonitor of heavy metal pollution

A Study of River Water Quality using Macroinvertebrates as Bio Indicator: A Case Study