Multiple biomarkers of pollution effects in caged mussels on the Greek coastline

A suite of biomarkers was measured in caged mussels at areas impacted by different anthropogenic activities along the Greek coastline to assess biological effects of environmental pollution. Mussels were caged at coastal sites in the vicinity of major cities, in areas influenced by major industries,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Toxicology & pharmacology 2010-04, Vol.151 (3), p.369-378
Main Authors: Tsangaris, C., Kormas, K., Strogyloudi, E., Hatzianestis, I., Neofitou, C., Andral, B., Galgani, F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acetylcholinesterase - metabolism
AchE
Animals
Biomarkers
Biomarkers - analysis
Biomarkers - metabolism
Bivalvia - metabolism
CAT
Catalase - metabolism
Environmental Monitoring
Geography
Glutathione Transferase - metabolism
Greece
GST
Life Sciences
Marine
Mediterranean
Metallothionein - metabolism
MTs
Mytilus galloprovincialis
Oceans and Seas
Principal Component Analysis
RNA:DNA ratio
Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis
Water Pollutants, Chemical - toxicity
Water Pollution, Chemical - adverse effects
Water Pollution, Chemical - analysis
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Summary:A suite of biomarkers was measured in caged mussels at areas impacted by different anthropogenic activities along the Greek coastline to assess biological effects of environmental pollution. Mussels were caged at coastal sites in the vicinity of major cities, in areas influenced by major industries, agricultural practices and in islands away from known sources of pollution. Biomarkers indicative of neurotoxicity (acetylcholinesterase, AchE), oxidative stress (catalase, CAT), phase II biotransformation of xenobiotics (glutathione S-transferase, GST), metal exposure (metallothioneins, MTs) and protein synthesis (RNA:DNA ratio) were measured to assess effects of various types of pollutants. AchE activity proved to be the most responsive biomarker with decreased values at sites influenced by agricultural, urban and industrial activities. Decreased CAT and GST activities and increased MTs levels were recorded at a number of anthropogenic-impacted sites. RNA:DNA ratio showed a biphasic response as both high and low values were found at impacted sites. Principal component analysis clearly distinguished sites receiving pollution inputs from non-polluted sites. The combination of the selected biomarkers used in caged mussels resulted useful in the assessment of the effects of environmental pollution.
ISSN:1532-0456
1878-1659
DOI:10.1016/j.cbpc.2009.12.009