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5348240 
Journal Article 
Evaluation of pesticides and metals in fish of the Dniester River, Moldova 
Sapozhnikova, Y; Zubcov, N; Hungerford, S; Roy, LA; Boicenco, N; Zubcov, E; Schlenk, D 
2005 
Yes 
Chemosphere
ISSN: 0045-6535
EISSN: 1879-1298 
60 
2 
196-205 
English 
15914239 
The Dniester River is one of the largest rivers in Eastern Europe and receives input from numerous anthropogenic activities. In October 2001, fish samples (Abramis brama, Rutilus rutilus heckeli, Perca fluviatilis, Chondrostoma nasus, Carassius auratus gibelio, and Cyprinus carpio) were collected and analyzed for metals and various pesticides. Maximum total DDT pesticide concentrations were between 27.7 and 34.2 ng/g wet weight in muscles and gonads, respectively. DDE isomers comprised up to 70% of total DDT measurement in fish tissues, indicating historical rather than recent DDT pollution. Chlordane and lindane were also detected in amounts up to 37 and 76 ng/g wet weight in gonads, respectively. Among organophosphorous pesticides, malathion showed extremely high concentrations--3 microg/g wet weight in muscles and 46 microg/g wet weight in gonads, indicating recent exposure. Copper concentrations in muscles (1.8-7.2 microg/g) exceeded Threshold Effect Concentrations for copper in fish. Detection of high concentrations of malathion and copper in fish tissues indicated potential anthropogenic stress for more sensitive aquatic biota, likely from agricultural sources in the Dniester River.