In this study we have performed a comprehensive genotoxicological survey along the 900 rkm of the Sava River. In total, 12 sites were chosen in compliance with the goals of GLOBAQUA project dealing with the effects of multiple stressors on biodiversity and functioning of aquatic ecosystems. The genotoxic potential was assessed using a complex battery of bioassays performed in prokaryotes and aquatic eukaryotes (freshwater fish). Battery comprised evaluation of mutagenicity by SOS/umuC test in Salmonella typhimurium TA1535/pSK1002. The level of DNA damage as a biomarker of exposure (comet assay) and biomarker of effect (micronucleus assay) and the level of oxidative stress as well (Fpg—modified comet assay) was studied in blood cells of bleak and spirlin (Alburnus alburnus/Alburnoides bipunctatus respectively). Result indicated differential sensitivity of applied bioassays in detection of genotoxic pressure. The standard and Fpg—modified comet assay showed higher potential in differentiation of the sites based on genotoxic potential in comparison with micronucleus assay and SOS/umuC test. Our data represent snapshot of the current status of the river which indicates the presence of genotoxic potential along the river which can be traced to the deterioration of quality of the Sava River by communal and industrial wastewaters. The major highlight of the study is that we have provided complex set of data obtained from a single source (homogeneity of analyses for all samples).

The main objectives of study were to determine the concentrations of As and other trace elements (Al, Co, Fe, Ni, Sn, Se) in the muscle, liver, and gills of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca), catfish (Silurus glanis), and pike (Esox lucius), and in the muscle of Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) and freshwater bream (Abramis brama), to identify relationships between element concentrations and total length and weight of the examined fish and studies of potential impact of contaminated fish consumption on human health. In the present study, the highest concentrations of As (0.004 mg·kg^-1), Sn (0.154 mg·kg^-1), and Co (0.053 mg·kg^-1) were observed in the liver of pikeperch. The highest concentrations of Ni (0.051 mg·kg^-1) and Fe (162.17 mg·kg^-1) were observed in gills and liver of pike, respectively, while the highest concentrations of Al (22.65 mg·kg^-1) and Se (0.509 mg·kg^-1) were observed in gills and liver of catfish, respectively. Freshwater bream diverged from the other four species based on element concentrations in muscle, while catfish diverged from the other predator species based on element concentrations in gills. This indicates that the element levels detected in organs seem to reflect the pollution level of sediment and its biota, rather than the prevailing pollution state of the water. We recorded the most correlations between element accumulation and fish size and weight in the tissues of pike, which could probably be explained by life histories, as well as by habitat of this species. Meat of studied species should be safe for utilization in human diet.