Assessment of the Distribution and Accumulation of Organochlorine Pesticides (Aldrin, Heptachlor, Dieldrin, Lindane, and DDT) in the Coastal Sediments of the Karun and Arvand Rivers

Javvid, Reza; Matroudi, Sahila; Savari, Ahmad; Safahieh, Alireza

Volume 18, Issue 1 (Spring 2026) 3 2026, 18(1): 51-63 | Back to browse issues page

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Javvid R, Matroudi S, Savari A, Safahieh A. Assessment of the Distribution and Accumulation of Organochlorine Pesticides (Aldrin, Heptachlor, Dieldrin, Lindane, and DDT) in the Coastal Sediments of the Karun and Arvand Rivers. 3 2026; 18 (1) :51-63
URL: http://jmb.ahvaz.iau.ir/article-1-1027-en.html

Assessment of the Distribution and Accumulation of Organochlorine Pesticides (Aldrin, Heptachlor, Dieldrin, Lindane, and DDT) in the Coastal Sediments of the Karun and Arvand Rivers

Reza Javvid

, Sahila Matroudi

, Ahmad Savari

, Alireza Safahieh

Department of Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Science and Oceanography, Khorramshahr University of Marine Science and Technology, Khorramshahr, Iran.

Abstract: (26 Views)

External parasitic infections are among the most significant threats to the health of ornamental fish, leading to reduced survival, diminished quality, and considerable economic losses in the ornamental fish industry. Among these parasites, protozoans such as Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (the causative agent of white spot disease) and Trichodina spp. hold particular importance due to their high prevalence, rapid transmission, and destructive effects on the skin and gills of fish. The present study aimed to investigate and compare the prevalence of these two parasites in three common ornamental fish species in Ahvaz, Iran. A total of 300 ornamental fish including guppy (Poecilia reticulata), swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii), and zebra fish (Danio rerio) were randomly collected from ornamental fish retailers and transported to the laboratory. Following clinical examinations, wet mounts were prepared from the skin and gills of each specimen. Parasite identification was performed based on morphological characteristics using standard taxonomic keys. Overall, 7.7% of the examined fish were infected with Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and 3.2% with Trichodina spp. Danio rerio exhibited the highest prevalence of I. multifiliis (22%), while no Trichodina infection was detected in this species. In guppies, the prevalence of I. multifiliis and Trichodina spp. was 1% and 7%, respectively. No infection with either parasite was observed in swordtails. Chi-square analysis revealed a significant association between fish species and parasite prevalence (p < 0.05). The findings indicate that species-specific susceptibility and differences in culture or holding conditions play a crucial role in the occurrence of parasitic infections. The absence of infection in swordtails may reflect inherent resistance or more favorable hygienic conditions in their culture environment. These results underscore the need for species‑oriented preventive and management strategies in ornamental fish farms and aquaria.

Keywords: Ornamental fish, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Trichodina spp., external parasites, Ahvaz.

Full-Text [PDF 946 kb] (10 Downloads)

Type of Study: Research | Subject: Pollution
Received: 2025/06/25 | Accepted: 2026/05/30 | Published: 2026/05/30