Variability of the Integrated Biochemical Index in Fish Exposed to Technogenic Water of Mining and Ore-Processing Works

The hazard presented to aquatic animals by technogenic waters from mining and ore processing works, with an abnormally high potassium content and alkaline pH, was studied in experiments with fish using the integrated biochemical index (IBI) allowing an aggregate estimation of changes in the animal organism. The results showed that the IBI value directly depends on the extent of technogenic pollution, as well as on the species and age of fish.