Short communication: Physiological Response of Marine Organisms to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Pollution as Useful Tools for Biomonitoring

Abstract

"The continuous development of oil exploration and exploitation leads to the need to highlight the early effects of hydrocarbons, especially polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on marine organisms. In this regard, there are worldwide biomonitoring programs that aim to assess the effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The physiological response of marine organisms is investigated both at functionally (reproductive, respiratory, cardiovascular and neurological disorders), tissular, cellular and molecular levels (histopathological evaluation, DNA damage, cytochrome P4501A, ethoxy resorufin-O-deethylase (EROD)). This paper reviews the changes induced by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in marine organisms and their potential to be used as suitable biomarkers to assess the health of aquatic ecosystems. Key-Words: biomonitoring, physiological response, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, marine organisms, sea water "