Metal contamination and heat stress impair swimming behavior and acetylcholinesterase activity in embryo-larval stages of the Mediterranean mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis

Abstract

Behavioral parameters are increasingly considered sensitive and early bioindicators of toxicity in aquatic organisms. A video-tracking tool was specifically developed to monitor the swimming behaviour of D-larvae of the Mediterranean mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis, in controlled laboratory conditions. Both maximum and average swimming speeds and trajectories were recorded. We then investigated the impact of copper and silver with or without a moderate rise of temperature on swimming behavior and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity of mussel D-larvae and the possible mechanistic link between both biological responses. Our results showed that copper and/or silver exposure, as well as temperature increase, disrupts the swimming behavior of mussel larvae which could compromise their dispersal and survival. In addition, the combined effect of temperature and metals significantly (p < 0.05) increased AChE activity in mussel larvae. Pearson's correlation analysis was performed and results showed that the AChE activity is positively correlated with maximum speeds (r = 0.71, p < 0.01). This study demonstrates the value of behavioral analyzes of aquatic invertebrates as a sensitive and integrate marker of the effects of stressors.