Abstract
Sandy beaches are ecosystems often subjected to a variety of pollution sources, including heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, largely due to improper human activities. The sandhopper Talitrus saltator s. l. (Montagu, 1808) typically lives on supralittoral shores where it plays an important ecological role. The purpose of this study was to investigate DNA damage levels on hemocytes of T. saltator by means of the Comet assay. Firstly, we tested the sensitivity and reproducibility of the Comet assay on hemocytes of T. saltator after in vitro exposure (1 h) to the genotoxicant methyl methanesulfonate (MMS). The data demonstrated a DNA damage (defined as % DNA tail) related to MMS exposure in a concentration-dependent manner. Next, we carried out the assay on hemocytes of T. saltator that were exposed in vivo (24 h and 7 days) to (a) lead (Pb), (b) benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P), (c) mixtures of them. Our data on exposure to Pb or B(a)P showed DNA damage on the hemocytes of T. saltator in a concentration-dependent manner, but apparently with a non-synergistic effect of exposure to their mixtures. Our results provide a background for further studies in order to verify the applicability of Comet assay on T. saltator for assessing genotoxicity levels in sandy beaches subjected to pollution.
Highlights
Heavy metals, in particular lead (Pb), are an important public health issue for their genotoxic potential, persistence and rapid bioaccumulation, affecting organisms through polluted environments
DNA damage (% of DNA tail) levels observed in hemocytes of T. saltator after in vitro exposure for 1 h to all the methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) concentrations tested were statistically higher (p < 0.01) if compared with the values found in negative controls (Figure 1)
All the Pb concentrations tested in this study after exposure for 24 h revealed DNA damage in hemocytes of T. saltator statistically higher than values found for the control (p < 0.01; Figure 2a)
Summary
In particular lead (Pb), are an important public health issue for their genotoxic potential, persistence and rapid bioaccumulation, affecting organisms through polluted environments. Benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) and other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread contaminants in various environmental compartments. These compounds, well known for their carcinogenic and mutagenic properties, often have anthropogenic origin, being released into the environment via industrial processes, wood treatment facilities, household heating and road transport (Cincinelli et al 2008). The supralittoral zone is characterized by a strong input of PAHs and heavy metals, but the toxicity of these compounds has received little attention. Knowledge of the possible ecogenotoxic effects in polluted sandy beaches is, despite being highly relevant to public health, still limited
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
