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Biochemistry of Fatigue in Athletes Training Near Contaminated Water Sources: a Review
Summary
Athletes training near polluted water sources face heightened oxidative stress from microplastics and chemical contaminants, as physical exertion accelerates pollutant absorption and ROS-driven damage to muscles and DNA. This review identifies critical gaps in research on wild-water athletes and calls for biomarker-based monitoring and antioxidant interventions to protect performance and long-term health.
Exposure to polluted water sources, including heavy metals (arsenic, lead, cadmium), organic contaminants (pesticides, disinfection by-products), and microplastics, constitutes an escalating public health issue.Athletes practicing near these sources are especially susceptible, since physical exertion increases oxygen consumption, circulation, and, therefore, the absorption of aquatic pollutants.These pollutants may provoke oxidative stress by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage lipids, proteins, and DNA, eventually impairing muscle function and overall athletic performance.Biomarkers including malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy-2deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and reduced glutathione (GSH) serve as quantifiable indications of oxidative injury and the organism's antioxidant defense capability.The current research mostly examines swimmers exposed to cleaned pool water, while information about athletes exercising in polluted wild water bodies is scarce.This study consolidates existing research on oxidative stress indicators in athletes, investigates the biochemical processes of tiredness induced by environmental stresses, and assesses possible consequences for recovery, performance, and long-term health.Moreover, it identifies research deficiencies and suggests methodologies for monitoring, prevention, and antioxidant therapies to alleviate oxidative damage, underscoring the need for interdisciplinary investigations that include sports science, biochemistry, and environmental toxicology.