Abstract
Sardine larvae (Sardina pilchardus) and their major food source (mixed zooplankton) were sampled from four sites along a transect out of the Bilbao estuary and a fifth (reference) site further along the north coast of Spain (23.5.92-10.6.92). Whole body sardine larvae were assayed for 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity (measure of CYP1A) as a biomarker of exposure to organic pollution, and the antioxidant enzymes catalase (EC 1.11.1.6) and superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC 1.15.1.1) as potential biomarkers of oxidative stress. EROD activity was lowest at a site closest to the Bilbao estuary, and increased along the transect until it reached levels recorded from samples for a reference site. Both catalase and SOD activities were highest at the inshore site of the transect decreasing offshore before increasing again at the site furthest from the coastline. Levels of organic contaminants (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorobiphenyls and pp'DDE) in mixed zooplankton were generally similar at the different sites, with the exception of higher PAHs at the extremes of the transect and at the reference site. The results are discussed in relation to the biomarker application of fish larvae, CYP1A and antioxidant enzymes.
Published Version
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