It is well established that fish are directly or indirectly affected by compounds that are toxic or
lethal in certain concentrations. Recently the enhancement of the legislative decree n. 172/2015
“Attuazione della direttiva 2013/39/UE, che modifica le direttive 2000/60/CE per quanto riguarda le
sostanze prioritarie nel settore della politica delle acque” require the analysis of chemicals
compound in biota, particularly in fish and in mollusks/shellfish.
The European catfish (Silurus glanis) even thought is an alien species in Italian freshwater, it can be
considered a valid bioindicators since it is at the top of food chain, and then can well reflect the
contamination of freshwater. In Italy, this species has received an increasing interest in recreational
fishing and also for human consumption, with possible risks linked to food safety. Factors as age,
sex, size, sexual maturity and breeding season may influence the concentration of contaminants.
During the presentation will be set out the results of the research conducted by IZS PLV about this
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topic, providing ideas and suggestions taking into account the guidelines issued by ISPRA
regarding the analysis of the priority substances on biota.
