EROD measurement using post mitochondrial supernatant (PMS) in roach (Rutilus rutilus L.), a possible biomonitor for PAH contamination in the freshwater environment

The use of hepatic post-mitochondrial supernatant (pms) as a source of monooxygenase activity in roach following intra peritoneal injection of β-naphthoflavone was investigated. Pms was found to be three times less active than microsomes although the level of induction was similar (9 fold). No effect of dicumarol on Ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) measurement using pms was recorded. EROD induction in roach peaked 2–4 days post treatment with β-napthoflavone. Given the ubiquitous nature and pollution tolerance of roach, their hepatic pms may serve as a convenient biomonitor of PAH contamination in the freshwater environment. Field studies are now underway to investigate this further.