Abstract
To date, the occurrence of pharmaceutically active products in marine environments, even at low concentrations (ngL−1 to μgL−1), is not only common but also a significant issue because of the adverse effects these may pose to non-target organisms. Harmful effects caused by pharmaceutical residues can be assessed using a biomarker approach, as they are considered a good option to identify early responses to contaminant exposure before deeper alteration in the organism occur. Marine bivalves are considered good bio-indicators of chemical pollution because they have the capacity to filter high volumes of water during respiration and feeding, bio-accumulating chemicals. This chapter aims to provide an overview of a battery of biomarkers for the assessment of pharmaceutical pollution under laboratory conditions evaluated in marine bivalve species, including enzymes of phases I and II metabolism, antioxidant enzymes, oxidative stress parameters, genotoxicity, reproductive parameters, neurotoxicity, and general stress. The sensitivity of these biomarkers to indicate toxicity and their effective use in environmental risk assessment of pharmaceuticals is discussed.
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