Integrating pollutant levels and biochemical biomarkers in oysters (Crassostrea rhizophorae and Crassostrea gasar) indicates anthropic impacts on marine environments along the coast of Santa Catarina state, Brazil

• Published in: Marine environmental research 2024-02, Vol.194, p.106309-106309, Article 106309
• Main Authors: Guerreiro, Fernando de Campos, Alves, Thiago Caíque, Saldaña-Serrano, Miguel, Gomes, Carlos Henrique Araújo de Miranda, Lima, Daína de, Bastolla, Camila Lisarb Velasquez, Ferreira, Clarissa Pellegrini, Bitschinski, Daiane, Rutkoski, Camila Fatima, Grott, Suelen Cristina, Israel, Nicole Grasmuk, Lüchmann, Karim Hahn, Marques, Maria Risoleta Freire, Melo, Claudio Manoel Rodrigues de, Bainy, Afonso Celso Dias, Almeida, Eduardo Alves de
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomarkers; Brazil; coasts; Crassostrea gasar; Crassostrea rhizophorae; Emerging and legacy contaminants; littoral zone; marine environment; Marine pollution; oysters; pollutants; Santa catrina; sediments; urbanization
• ISSN: 0141-1136; 1879-0291
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106309

This study aimed to carry out a general diagnosis of the contamination of the coastal marine environment of the Santa Catarina state (SC, Brazil) by different classes of environmental pollutants, as well as to evaluate possible adverse effects of the contaminants on biochemical biomarkers of oysters, Crassostrea gasar and Crassostrea rhizophorae. 107 chemicals were evaluated in water, sediment and oyster samples from nine sites along the coastline of SC. We also examined various biochemical biomarkers in the oysters' gills and digestive glands to assess potential effects of contaminants. In general, the northern and central regions of the littoral of SC presented higher occurrences and magnitudes of contaminants than the southern region, which is probably related to higher urbanization of center and northern areas of the littoral. The biomarker analysis in the oysters reflected these contamination patterns, with more significant alterations observed in regions with higher levels of pollutants. Our results may serve as a first baseline for future and more extensive monitoring actions and follow-up of the degree of contamination in the state, allowing for inspection actions and management of areas most affected by marine pollutants. [Display omitted] •Analyses of 107 chemicals revealed widespread contamination of Santa Catarina (SC) coastline.•Chemical contaminants were more prevalent in the northernmost regions of the state.•Contaminants showed strong relationships with biomarker modulations in oysters.•Abiotic environmental factors also possibly influenced oyster's biomarker responses.