ЕКОТОКСИКОЛОГІЧНА ОЦІНКА ВПЛИВУ РЕАЛЬНИХ КОНЦЕНТРАЦІЙ МЕТАЛІВ МІЛІТАРНОГО ПОХОДЖЕННЯ НА ВОДНІ ОРГАНІЗМИ

This article presents an ecotoxicological evaluation of the impact of environmentally relevant concentrations of military-derived metals on aquatic organisms, using the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) as a model species. The study assessed total antioxidant activity, lipid peroxidation (LPO) intensity, oxidative protein modifications (OPM) levels, catalase and glutathione transferase activity, as well as glutathione levels in the brain, liver cells, and blood of the carp. Additionally, the activity of caspase-3 and acetylcholinesterase was examined under exposure to zinc (Zn), antimony (Sb), copper (Cu), and their mixtures with lithium (Li) and cadmium (Cd). The results demonstrated significant alterations in the antioxidant defense system of the exposed organisms. Elevated LPO and OPM levels indicated intensified oxidative stress, while fluctuations in catalase and glutathione transferase activity reflected adaptive responses to metal toxicity. A decline in glutathione levels suggested depletion of antioxidant reserves. The study of caspase-3 activity provided insights into apoptotic mechanisms, whereas changes in acetylcholinesterase activity pointed to potential neurotoxic effects. These findings are crucial for understanding the ecological risks associated with military-origin metal contamination in aquatic ecosystems. They provide valuable data for developing environmental regulations and mitigation strategies to address metal pollution and its effects on aquatic biota.