Assessment of Gill Histology in the Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Greenback Mullet (Planiliza suviridis) Exposed to Environmental Stressors in East Hammar Marsh and Shatt al-Basra Canal, Southern Iraq

Abduljabbar, Sura; Alsudani, Habeeb; Abed, Jassim; Quattro, Joseph

doi:10.21608/ejabf.2025.415208

Assessment of Gill Histology in the Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Greenback Mullet (Planiliza suviridis) Exposed to Environmental Stressors in East Hammar Marsh and Shatt al-Basra Canal, Southern Iraq

Authors

10.21608/ejabf.2025.415208

Abstract

Gills are composed of specialized components such as primary and secondary lamellae, chloride cells, epithelial cells, mucous cells and venous sinuses, which play essential role for respiration and regulation of osmotic pressure. The results highlight significant histopathological changes induced by exposure to pollution, including capillary dilation, edema, necrosis and hyperplasia, indicating that fish are exposed to significant physiological stresses. These alterations in addition to affecting the efficiency of gas exchange also disrupt normal cellular functions, potentially leading to long-term health consequences for fish populations. Furthermore, the presence of inflammatory responses such as leukocyte infiltration and subepithelial edema underscores the impact of environmental toxins on aquatic organisms.

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