Evaluating the impact of gadolinium contamination on the marine bivalve Donax trunculus: Implications for environmental health

• Published in: Environmental toxicology and pharmacology 2024-12, Vol.112, p.104580, Article 104580
• Main Authors: Secco, Silvia, Cunha, Marta, Libralato, Giovanni, Trifuoggi, Marco, Giarra, Antonella, Soares, Amadeu M.V.M., Freitas, Rosa, Scalici, Massimiliano
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Biological responses; Bivalvia - drug effects; Bivalvia - metabolism; Clams; Contrast Media - toxicity; Environmental Monitoring - methods; Gadolinium - analysis; Gadolinium - toxicity; Glycogen - metabolism; Lipid Peroxidation - drug effects; Metabolism; Oxidative stress; Rare earth elements; Water Pollutants, Chemical - toxicity
• ISSN: 1382-6689; 1872-7077; 1872-7077
• DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2024.104580

Gadolinium (Gd), commonly used in contrast agents for medical imaging, has been detected in hospital wastewater and aquatic environments, raising environmental concerns. This study examined the accumulation and cellular impacts of Gd in the clam species Donax trunculus, commonly used as bioindicator of contamination. Gadolinium accumulation in clams increased with exposure and over time. Biological responses varied with Gd levels: low concentrations (10 and 50 µg/L) led to low metabolic activity and glycogen content, but high antioxidant activities and lipid peroxidation levels (LPO); high concentrations (250 and 500 µg/L) resulted in increased metabolic activity, while antioxidant enzyme activity was inhibited and LPO levels were the lowest. Metabolic activity decreased after two weeks, suggesting limited long-term metabolic resilience. The study underscores D. trunculus as an effective early warning species for Gd pollution and highlights the ecological risks of rising Gd levels, emphasizing the need for environmental monitoring and regulation. [Display omitted] •Donax trunculus demonstrated to be a useful bioindicator for monitoring Gd pollution.•The Gd bioaccumulation in D. trunculus increased with exposure concentration and time.•Clams exposed to Gd increased their metabolic capacity, which decreased over time.•Gadolinium inhibited clams' antioxidant capacity, especially at higher concentrations.•Biotransformation enzymes did not respond to Gd contamination.