Abstract
The status of Guadiamar stream, polluted in 1998 by metals spilled from a pyrite tailings dam, was monitored from 1999 to 2001 to assess possible biological effects in terrestrial ecosystems of Doñana National Park (DNP) (Andalusia, SW Spain). The Algerian mouse (Mus spretus) was used as bioindicator at different Guadiamar and Doñana sites. Eleven biochemical parameters, including the activities of antioxidative and biotransforming enzymes and oxidative damages to biomolecules, were assayed in liver as biomarkers responsive to metals and organic pollutants. In 2001, metals were also determined in kidney and their possible correlation with biomarker responses was studied. Contents of Pb, Cd and As significantly correlated with several antioxidative enzymes. Biomarkers responsive to oxidative stress indicate the presence of transition metals in the high and medium Guadiamar course, and their response diminished with the distance to the collapsed dam. The high ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity of mice from the medium and low Guadiamar course point to organic pollutants, such as the pesticides used in intensive crops grown in areas nearby Doñana. The increasing responses of several biomarkers at reference sites may suggest a progressive pollution of key Doñana ecosystems.
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