Abstract
Abstract The AGIP "BIO-MARE" pilot project aims to develop and validate a methodology based on biomarkers in bioindicator organisms to assess ecotoxicological effects related to Mediterranean off-shore activities (Adriatic Sea). The research is articulated in three phases: I) laboratory studies; II) field studies; III) development of a methodological protocol. During phase I, specimens of the flatfish Solea vulgaris and barnacles Balanus trigonius and Balanus perforatus were exposed in the laboratory to increasing concentrations of discharged water, obtained from an Adriatic off-shore platform. Various biomarkers (MFO activities (BPMO, EROD, PROD, Cyp450-reductases), porphyrins (copro-, uro-, protoporphyrins), PAH bile metabolites, esterases (AChE, BChE, CbE), vitellogenin, zona radiata proteins, micronuclei, antioxidant enzymes (SOD), metallothioneins) and contaminants (PAHs and trace metals) were measured in the biondicator organisms. The main aim of this phase was to identify the most sensitive biomarker responses and build up an ecotoxicological model for the evaluation and interpretation of in situ data. Variations detected in biomarker responses of exposed organisms with respect to controls, included induction of MFO activity (EROD induction ranged 72-196%, BPMO induction ranged 43-116%), slight accumulation of PAH bile metabolites and slight inibition (20%) of SOD. During phase II, specimens of Solea vulgaris were collected in six Adriatic sites at different distances from the off-shore platform. Statistically significant differences in MFO induction were detected between organisms from the off-shore platform and a control area.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call