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vol-15DlV\IN ACHE OF THE TEI.EOST CLARIAS LAZERA AS INDICATOR
OF WATER CONTAMINATION BY PHENOL OR METHANOL
H. ASSEM, A. KHALIFA AND U.K. BADAWI
National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries
ABSTRlICT
The present investigation revealed the effect of phenol
or methanol at different sublethal concentrations on the
specific activity of brain acetylcholinesterase. The study
was also extended to include the total protein concentration
during the tested period. Phenol has marked excitable
effects on the fish even at fairly low concentration (0.05
mg/l) as recorded by activation of AChE in brain. During
exposure to methanol the enzyme activity responds In
triphasic manner, first activation followed by inhibition
then recovery to control level. It seems that the Initial
activation represents the alarm reaction to the presence of
methanol in the environment and during which more nerve
I~lse tr’ansfer may be needed. The effect of methanol waa
dose-dependent being high with the higher concentration.
Methanol may be more harmful than phenol. The potentiality
of using the change in the enzyme activity as criterion for
water quality was discussed.
