Abstract
The objective of the present work is to evaluate the possible toxic effect engendered by graded doses of lead chloride (PbCl2) on Mactra stultorum mantle and adductor muscles through a battery of biomarkers responses. M. stultorum were divided into 4 groups and exposed to three concentrations of PbCl2 (D1:1mg/L, D2: 2.5 mg/L and D3: 5 mg/L) with control during five days. Our findings showed decreases of lipid contents in both organs following PbCl2 exposure, while, proteins declined only in the adductor muscles of the treated M. stultorum. During our experiment, the PbCl2 exposure induced the levels of metallothionein (MTs), malondialdehyde (MDA) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) in both organs as compared to the control. These biomarkers responses are distinctly different between mantle and adductor muscles.
Highlights
The contamination of aquatic ecosystems by several environmental pollutants has become a worldwide problem in the last years [1]
In conclusion, the present results demonstrate that PbCl2 exposure (1mg / L; 2.5mg / L and 5mg / L) alters the redox status of M. stultorum mantle and adductor muscles
The toxic effect of lead induces the lipids peroxidation confirmed by the increases of MDA levels which they were associated with decreases in lipids contents in both tissues
Summary
The contamination of aquatic ecosystems by several environmental pollutants has become a worldwide problem in the last years [1]. For the global environmental health, lead (Pb) is considered to be a major hazard This non-essential and toxic heavy metal is the most abundant metal in the aquatic system. In nature, it is present as a divalent cation and principally forming stable complexes with sulfur. High Pb levels which are exceeding the permissible limit (1 mg/kg), [6] have been recorded in Tunisian bivalves tissues (values comprised between 5 and 9 mg/kg DW) [5,7] Their accumulation in aquatic ecosystems can become dangerous to all kinds of organisms including bivalves, fishes, aquatic plants and human life, causing many toxic effects [8]
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