Bioindicators Of Environmental Pollution Research Articles

Monitoring of honey contamination with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Herzegovina region

ABSTRACT In order to determine the degree of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon pollution, a biomonitoring study was conducted using honey as a bioindicator. Bees are good bioindicators of environmental pollution, either via the presence of toxic molecules in their bodies or via the presence of residues in their products. In this study we investigated 10 honey samples collected from polluted and unpolluted areas in Herzegovina region for their contamination with 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Extraction was done in ultrasonic bath and was followed by chromatographic analysis by HPLC with UV/Vis detector. Results showed no presence of PAHs in six honey samples, while in four of them we detected low PAH concentrations with maximum values never higher than 7 µgkg−1 of fresh weight for the honey. Benzo⦋a⦌pyrene, which is the most potentially carcinogenic PAH, was detected in one sample. Indeno[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene was found in all samples where PAHs were detected in the range < LOD to 2.56 µgkg−1 FW. Concentrations of all PAHs detected in investigated honey samples were low and safe to consume. The results of this study show that honey can be used as a bioindicator to assess environmental pollution.

Fast non-destructive assessment of heavy metal presence by ATR-FTIR analysis of crayfish exoskeleton.

Freshwater crayfish are bioindicators of environmental pollution, often used for the assessment of heavy metal (HM) presence in the tissues, a time-consuming and expensive task. In this study, we propose the use of the vibrational spectroscopy to detect in a fast, non-destructive and sensitive way the presence of HM in the cephalothorax exoskeleton of the freshwater crayfish. Incorporation of HM into the cephalothorax exoskeleton was investigated under controlled laboratory conditions. In particular, the cephalothorax exoskeleton of five crayfish species (Astacus leptodactylus, Procambarus clarkii, Austropotamobius pallipes, Faxonius limosus, and Pacifastacus leniusculus) was analyzed by attenuated total reflection-Fourier transformed infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy in the presence or absence of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) up to 4weeks at various concentrations (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, ppm). The ATR-FTIR profile of the crayfish cephalothorax exoskeleton was compatible with the presence of amorphous calcium carbonate, chitin, and proteins. The incubation with the HM revealed two main modifications: the shift of the peak from 859 to 872cm-1 and the appearance of a peak at 712cm-1. Both are ascribable to the HM interaction with calcium carbonate. The absorbance of both peaks increased along with the time of incubation, and the HM concentration. We conclude that ATR-FTIR analysis can be a useful, quick, and cost-sensitive tool to detect HM presence in the crayfish cephalothorax exoskeleton. However, it has to be regarded as a non-specific analytical technique for assessing HM contamination, since it is unable to discriminate between different HM.

Could honey bees signal the spread of antimicrobial resistance in the environment?

The honey bee has long been known to be a bioindicator of environmental pollution and the use of antimicrobials in the beekeeping industry is strictly regulated. For these reasons, this paper was aimed to evaluate for the first time the role of Apis mellifera as a possible indicator of environmental antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The study isolated and analysed the resistance patterns of Enterobacteriaceae from a pool of honey bee guts located in five different environmental sites (ES), where different antimicrobial selective pressures were hypothesized. In all, 48 isolates were considered for identification and underwent analyses of AMR to ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, cefazolin, ceftazidime, tetracycline, imipenem, enrofloxacin, amikacin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. In all, 12 isolates out of 48 (25%) showed resistance to at least one antimicrobial drug. There were no significant differences between the resistance rates observed in the ESs, even if the highest percentage of resistance was found in ES4. Resistances to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid resulted significantly higher than those detected towards the other antimicrobials. Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid is not commonly used in beekeeping but it is extensively used in animals and in humans, suggesting an environmental origin of this resistance and supporting the hypothesis that honey bees could be used as indicators of AMR spread in the environment. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: In this study, a possible role of honey bees as indicator of environmental antimicrobial resistance is hypothesized. Enterobacteriaceae were isolated from bees living in different environmental sites (ES) where different antimicrobial selective pressures were hypothesized. Even if no differences between the resistances in the five ES were observed, the resistance rates for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, compared to other antimicrobials, were significantly higher. Since amoxicillin/clavulanic acid is not used in beekeeping but it is extensively used in animals and in humans, an environmental origin of this resistance is suggested that supports our hypothesis.

Impact of heavy metals on Oreochromis niloticus fish and using Electrophoresis as Bio-indicator for environmental pollution of Rosetta branch, River Nile, Egypt

In the present work, samples of water and fish were collected seasonally from the river Nile at El- Qanater El- Khyria as non-polluted site and from downstream of El-Rahawy drain (El-Qatta) as a polluted drain during the year 2016. The concentration of metals (Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb, Mn and Cd) in water and their accumulations in fish muscles were measured. Electrophoresis pattern of Oreochromis niloticus including: protein pattern, calcium pattern and β -esterase were detected. There were increases in heavy metals concentrations and their accumulations in muscles of O. niloticus inhabiting the water of El-Qatta station. In the present study, results revealed increased concentrations of studied metals in water and fish samples mainly during the winter season. Accumulations of the heavy metals were in the following order: Fe> Zn> Mn> Pb> Cu> Cd. The values of Fe, Cu, Pb, Mn, Zn and Cd were higher than the permissible limits in water, while Fe, Pb and Zn exceeded the permissible limits in fish muscles, especially those of El-Qatta station. Results of electrophoretic protein pattern showed similarities in arrangement of the bands in liver and muscles tissues in fishes taken from both locations (A and B), with a difference arrived to 45.4% in the liver and 48.1% in the muscle. While, electrophoretic calcium pattern showed a significant difference arrived to 66.1% in the liver and 61.6% in the muscle, the electrophoretic β -esterase showed a significant difference arrived to 74.5% in the liver and 70.0% in the muscle. The bioaccumulation factor in winter was higher than that in summer. The Hazard Index (HI) and Hazard Quotient (HQ) values were below the acceptable limits (HQ and HI < 1), which indicate that the metals in O. niloticus at El- Qanater El-Khyria (0.4873), do not have any human health risk concern, while Hazard Indices (HI) for the analyzed heavy metals were higher than the acceptable limit (HI<1) at El-Qatta station (1.5869), though, the metals cumulative risk impacts gave an alarming sign particularly at high fish consumption rates.

Seaweed resources of Poland

Abstract Poland, a Central European country with a Baltic Sea coastline of 634 km, has no tradition of nearshore cultivation of seaweeds or utilization of this biomass. The Baltic is known for its eutrophication. Numerous attempts are being made to combat this phenomenon as well as to find applications for the beach-cast and free-floating macroalgae, which are a nuisance in many areas. Seaweed harvesting can mitigate eutrophication by the reduction of nutrients – especially nitrogen and phosphorus – in water. Collected biomass can be utilised in agriculture as biofertilisers and used as a valuable raw material for the manufacture of high-value macroalgal products, such as biostimulants of plant growth, feed additives, components of cosmetics, food additives or biogas as a form of renewable energy. The Baltic abounds in green macroalgae (Ulva sp. and Cladophora sp.) with brown (Ectocarpus sp., Pilayella sp., Fucus vesiculosus) and red algae (Vertebrata sp., Ceramium sp., Furcellaria sp.) occurring in much smaller quantities. These seaweeds are also of great interest as bioindicators of environmental pollution. The seaweeds in the southern Baltic Sea still represent an unexploited biomass and can be a huge source of innovation. New approaches towards macroalgal utilisation are in demand.

Cytogenetics of Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus as Bioindicator of Environmental Pollution from Two Polluted Lagoons, South-Western Nigeria

Cytogenetics of Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus as Bioindicator of Environmental Pollution from Two Polluted Lagoons, South-Western Nigeria

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the dice snake Natrix tessellata (Reptilia, Colubridae) from ecosystems of different anthropogenic loads in modern conditions of the steppe Dnieper area

We studied the peculiarities of bioaccumulation and distribution of heavy metals (cadmium, lead, zinc and copper) in the bone tissue, liver and kidneys of the dice snake Natrix tessellata (Laurenti, 1768) inhabited ecosystems under different anthropogenic loads in 2015-2016. Mature individuals were caught in anthropogenically transformed ecosystems of the sanitary-protective zone of the Dniprovska Thermal Power Plant (SPZ DTPP) (48.402°N, 35.111°E, n = 7), coastal ecosystems of the National Nature Park «Velykyi Luh» (47.443°N, 35.149°E, n = 8) and in the Maiorka gully ecosystems (48.260°N, 35.170°E, n = 7). The gross content of metals in the organs of N. tessellata was determined after their dry ashing in a muffle furnace. Determination of the trace elements was performed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Among the studied trace elements, zinc has the highest concentrations in the liver, kidneys and bones of N. tessellata. The kidneys and liver are characterized by such amount of concentrations: Zn&gt; Cu&gt; Pb&gt; Cd, but bone tissue has the following ratio Zn&gt; Pb&gt; Cu&gt; Cd. The highest concentration of cadmium is found in the kidneys, and the lowest one – in the bones of snakes. There are the highest contents of lead and copper in the snakes’ liver, but the lowest in the kidneys and bones. The lead bioaccumulations in organs of snakes from different ecosystems are dissimilar. Zinc content in bones is higher than in kidneys and liver, but the lowest concentration is found in the kidneys. It has been found that the highest contents of toxic metals (Cd, Pb) were in the kidneys and liver of the snakes dwelled in the SPZ DTPP ecosystems in comparison with both studied natural ecosystems. In addition, snakes caught in anthropogenically transformed ecosystems of SPZ DTPP are characterised by increased zinc content in all studied organs and enlarged copper concentration in the kidneys. Considering the obtained results on the metals bioaccumulation, the dice snake can be considered as a potential bio-indicator of environmental pollution by heavy metals.

Evaluation of the reliability of human teeth matrix used as a biomarker for fluoride environmental pollution

Environmental contamination by heavy metals has been a matter of great concern in many countries for several decades. Human exposure to such elements may cause adverse health effects and young children are particularly at risk. Many matrixes have been used for determination of metal exposure levels. Hard tissues such as teeth and bones have some advantages compared to other matrix. Dental tissues are considered to be suitable for long-term metal exposure due to their stability, resistance to physical and chemical degradation and their good preservation over time. Several studies have analyzed the teeth of animals for assessment the relationship between increased fluoride exposure and dental fluorosis, however few studies have been conducted on human teeth. Thus, the aim of the present study was to assess the reliability of human teeth matrix used as a biomarker for fluoride environmental pollution in Tunisia, and to evaluate the relationship with place of residence, age, dental caries and sex. Teeth samples (n=123) were collected from individuals living in Gafsa (fluoride-polluted area which inhabitants are to a great extent exposed to heavy metals) and Tunis (non polluted area). Samples were analyzed using a potentiometric method. The fluoride concentration was found to be significantly higher in teeth from Gafsa samples than those from Tunis. Their control levels were respectively 6793.1μg/g and 1068.8μg/g. The results indicate that there is a clear relation between fluoride concentration and residence of living. An increased level of dental fluorosis in fluoridated communities has been used to evaluate historical chronic exposure to fluoride in these communities, despite constant fluoride levels in the drinking-water. The fluoride concentration was also observed to be significantly increased in polluted area with age and in carious teeth whereas, no significant difference was observed for sex. Our study confirms well that human teeth used as a bioindicator for environmental pollution provide good chronological information on exposure, and highlighted the risks incurred by consumers living in such polluted area.

Heavy Metals Content in Foliar Litter and Branches of Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl. and Quercus robur L. Observed at Two ICP Forests Monitoring Plots

Background and Purpose: Due to the ability to uptake and accumulate heavy metals (HM) in their aboveground tissues, trees may be used for phytoremediation purposes, but also as bioindicators of environmental pollution. The aims of the present study were: a) to investigate the content and temporal variation of the studied HMs in different plant organs during the period of intensive leaf falling (September-October), in two species from genus Quercus; b) to evaluate the observed HMs content relative to plausible ranges of element concentration in foliar litter, as recommended by ICP Forests Foliar Co-ordinating Centre (IFFCC). Material and Methods: The contents of zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) were assessed in the litterfall (i.e. leaves and branches) of Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl. and Quercus robur L. grown at two ICP Forests Level II monitoring plots (Fruška Gora and Odžaci, Serbia). Plant material was sampled during September-October 2018 and analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results: Comparing the content of investigated HMs in foliar litter and branches of Q. robur and Q. petraea, notably higher concentrations of Mn and Fe have been observed in the foliage of both species, whereas Zn and Cu concentrations were higher in collected branch material of both of the above-mentioned tree species. The results further showed that, when compared to plausible ranges of element concentrations in foliar litter, given by ICP Forests Foliar Co-ordinating Centre (IFFCC), average concentrations of Fe and Zn in the leaves were within suggested limits, whereas certain concentrations of Mn and Cu exceeded the proposed ranges. Furthermore, the content of the studied HMs in plant material of both Quercus species significantly varied during sampling period. Conclusions: Although it was observed that concentrations of certain HMs were beyond plausible limits recommended by IFFCC, our results were in accordance with the findings of other authors who studied HMs content in Quercus species grown in natural forests. For that reason, these limits should be considered optionally, i.e. in the cases when the results significantly deviate from the suggested values. Moreover, we believe that the observed variation in the HMs content during sampling period is related to the sampling procedure commonly applied at ICP Forests monitoring plots, which is indirectly associated with the capacity of trees to accumulate HMs and their phenological properties.

Water Quality Measurements with a Simple Molecular Analysis (PCR-RFLP) of the Microbiome in a Metropolitan River System in Japan

Urbanization has affected natural freshwater environments by contamination with sewage, toxic chemicals, and excess nutrients, which cause algal bloom, pollution, and ecosystem degradation. To ensure sustainable use of natural waters, appropriate monitoring methods are required. This study aims to investigate the diversity of the microbial community in a metropolitan river system in Japan using a low-cost DNA-based approach, PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)-RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism), as a potential bioindicator of environmental change. Surface waters were sampled in seven sites in a river system. Water chemical parameters and concentrations of heavy metals were determined. Microbial DNA was extracted from the samples, ribosomal RNA was amplified with universal primers, and RFLP was scored by agarose gels. Water chemical analyses showed that surface water at the inflow point of a sewage treatment plant had signs of eutrophication. Heavy metal concentrations in surface water were low (&lt; 0.01 ppm) in all sites. The PCR-RFLP analysis showed polymorphisms both in 16S and 18S rRNAs, indicating that the method can detect at least a part of the microbiome changes in a river system. Sequencing of some fragments found the sequence close to a ciliate isolated in wastewater treatment plants, implying contamination from sewage. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified the RFLPs associated with chemical water parameters, which could be bioindicators of environmental pollution. We also found the RFLPs independent of water quality parameters, suggesting that this simple DNA-based analysis can also detect biological changes in water ecosystems that are not quantified by chemical measurements of water quality.

The intertidal gastropods (Gastropoda: Mollusca) diversity and taxa distribution in Alas Purwo National Park, East Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Susintowati, Puniawati N, Poedjirahajoe, Handayani NSN, Hadisusanto S. 2019. The intertidal gastropods (Gastropoda: Mollusca) diversity and taxa distribution in Alas Purwo National Park, East Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 2016-2027. Gastropods play an essential role in the ecosystem and can be used as bioindicators of environmental pollution. Understanding of their behavior, habitat, and distribution, and how these factors evolve, is crucial. This paper aimed to describe the diversity of the gastropod community and their spatial taxa distribution, based on the specimen frequency across all observed samples, in the diverse environment of Alas Purwo National Park (APNP), East Java, Indonesia. We studied eight beaches and two mangroves areas, and the study areas of the intertidal zone divided into upper, middle, and lower zones towards the sea. The purposive sampling was used to determine the locations and multi-plot quadrats for observations. The diversity of gastropods was elucidated by using the Shannon and Simpson indexes, while the Morisita index was applied for analyzing their spatial distribution pattern. However, the correspondence analysis and principal component analysis were performed using the software of PAST 3.22 for describing the diversity profile and individual rarefaction of gastropods together with environmental quality. There were three beach types: rocky, sandy, and muddy beaches were found in APNP. The highest diversity index (H’) was found on Pancur beach: H’ = 3.271, D = 0.947 of 67 species. The spatial distribution pattern of gastropods species was weakly clumped to random, with Ip: 0.165 - 0.016. Gastropods, both predators and scavengers, were distributed from the upper to lower zones. The distribution of gastropods in APNP is mostly in type B. These results expand our knowledge of gastropods diversity and distribution of Indonesia’s beach and can contribute to the future environmental assessments of biodiversity of tropical intertidal zones worldwide.

Cadmium stress effects indicating marine pollution in different species of sea urchin employed as environmental bioindicators.

In recent years, researches about the defense strategies induced by cadmium stress have greatly increased, invading several fields of scientific research. Mechanisms of cadmium-induced toxicity continue to be of interest for researchers given its ubiquitous nature and environmental distribution, where it often plays the role of pollutant for numerous organisms. The presence in the environment of this heavy metal has been constantly increasing because of its large employment in several industrial and agricultural activities. Cadmium does not have any biological role and, since it cannot be degraded by living organisms, it is irreversibly accumulated into cells, interacting with cellular components and molecular targets. Cadmium is one of the most studied heavy metal inductors of stress and a potent modulator of several processes such as apoptosis, autophagy, reactive oxygen species, protein kinase and phosphatase, mitochondrial function, metallothioneins, and heat-shock proteins. Sea urchins (adults, gametes, embryos, and larvae) offer an optimal opportunity to investigate the possible adaptive response of cells exposed to cadmium, since these cells are known to accumulate contaminants. In this review, we will examine several responses to stress induced by cadmium in different sea urchin species, with a focus on Paracentrotus lividus embryos. The sea urchin embryo represents a suitable system, as it is not subjected to legislation on animal welfare and can be easily used for toxicological studies and as a bioindicator of environmental pollution. Recently, it has been included into the guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays to monitor autophagy.

Comparative ecotoxicological evaluation of peracetic acid and the active chlorine of calcium hypochlorite: Use of Dugesia tigrina as a bioindicator of environmental pollution

Chlorine plays a primary role in the disinfection of drinking water and wastewater due to its effectiveness as a biocide; however, there is evidence of the formation of toxic byproducts from its application, and this has promoted the search for alternatives. Alternative disinfectants can be effective in the inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms and are less damaging to human health and aquatic ecosystems. However, more information is needed on the effect of residual concentrations on the environment. This work compares the ecotoxicological effects of PAA disinfectants and the active chlorine of calcium hypochlorite in relation to the organism Dugesia tigrina (planaria), in terms of the acute effects: LC50, and chronic effects: feeding, locomotion, regeneration, reproduction and fertility. The results indicated that the active chlorine was more toxic than PAA, with LC50 (96 h) of 2.63 mg.L−1 and 3.16 mg.L−1, respectively. Sub-lethal exposure to active chlorine was more toxic when compared to PAA, and there was evidence of significantly reduced feeding and locomotion, causing a greater delay in regeneration and impairment in reproduction and fertility. The results allowed the comparison of the two disinfectants using half-life constants of the compounds and the lowest observed effect level (LOEC) of the oxidants. Chlorine represents a greater risk to the ecosystem for a longer period. The results obtained in this study can help in the establishment of discharge limits for PAA in water bodies.

The presence of radioactive and metal contaminants in wild mushrooms grown in Chattogram hill tracts, Bangladesh

Wild mushrooms are considered as bioindicators of environmental pollution. Different species of mushrooms (edible and medicinal), commonly available in Chattogram hill tracts (CHT) area of Bangladesh, were analyzed for prevailing concentrations of heavy metals and radioactive materials via atomic absorption spectroscopy and γ-ray spectrometry, respectively. The metal contents in some species show higher than the levels recommended by WHO/FAO for metals in food and vegetables. In case of terrestrial radionuclides, the concentrations of 232Th and 40K exceeded the global average value of 82 Bq/kg and 310 Bq/kg, respectively (UNSCEAR, 2000). Since the studied mushroom grew naturally, the obtained results provide useful information on the presence of radioactive-, toxic- and essential elements in the CHT area which may require for any further study of other environmental matrices in this area.

Red Fox, Vulpes vulpes L., as a Bioindicator of Environmental Pollution in the Countryside of Czech Republic

The objective of this study is to determine the accumulation of heavy metals in the tissues of the small intestines of red foxes from 4 different areas of the northern part of the Czech Republic. The red foxes were relocated from countryside and free nature to the neighborhood of big cities in the last two decades, so it could be great indicator of pollution in these four different areas, with the focus on countryside problems with pollution of heavy metals. The heavy metal (Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Mn, Ni) concentrations in 27 samples and the relationships between heavy metal concentration in red fox tissue and the location of sample were investigated. The highest concentrations of Pb (0.684 mg.kg–1), Cr (0.162 mg.kg–1), Ni (0.235 mg.kg–1) and Zn (19.76 mg.kg–1) were found in tissues from mountain areas. The highest concentrations of Cd (0.047 mg.kg–1), Cu (1.474 mg.kg–1) and Mn (2.025 mg.kg–1) were measured in tissues from industrial agglomeration around the city Hradec Králové. Pb and Cr concentrations in tissues of red foxes from two areas (environs of the city Krasna Lipa and Hradec Kralove) exceeded the permissible food consumption limits.

Accumulation of heavy metals in gametophytes of the epilithic mosses

Heavy metals are hazardous pollutants in urban atmosphere that are released into the environment mainly as a result of industrial activity and high traffic loads. These substances pose a substantial risk to human health and biota in urban ecosystems. Therefore, environmental monitoring of air pollution with metals by using bioindicator species is of great importance. Bryophytes capable of accumulating heavy metals are widely used as bioindicators of environmental pollution for biomonitoring atmospheric metal deposition. The ability of urban epilithic mosses to accumulate heavy metals has not been studied sufficiently. This invistigation was aimed at studying metal-accumula­ting ability of Rhynchostegium murale and Schistidium apocarpum mosses collected within the city of Lviv (Western Ukraine), as well as exploring the relationship between the level of anthropogenic load and the accumulation of heavy metals in moss gametophytes. Two polluted sites in the southern part of the city and one control site in the territory of Stryisky Park were analyzed. The content of heavy metals, namely Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn, in moss samples was determined by the atomic absorption spectrophotometry using an atomic absorption spectrometer C-115PK Selmi. The results were processed using statistical methods. It was demonstrated that different levels of metal accumulate in Rhynchostegium murale and Schistidium apocarpum mosses. Depen­ding on the concentration in moss gametophytes sampled in the city of Lviv, the studied metals can be arranged in the following order: Mn&gt; Zn&gt; Cr&gt; Ni&gt; Pb. However, the content of Mn and Zn in the S. apocarpum moss was found to be considerably higher than in R. murale . The gametophytes of both mosses collected in areas subjected to industrial and transport loads in the southern regions of Lviv city had significantly higher concentration of Pb, and R. murale also had an elevated Mn content compared to moss samples collected in green park area. The results of our study suggest that the rate of accumulation of heavy metals in gametophytes of epilithic mosses reflect the level of atmospheric metal deposition in urban areas exposed to the anthropogenic pressures on the environment. Keywords : heavy metals, bryophytes, urban ecosystems, environmental monito­ring, bioindication

Energy allocation in two dreissenid species under metal stress

Measurements of biological responses on living organisms are essential in aquatic biomonitoring. In freshwaters, Dreissena polymorpha is an invasive bivalve commonly used in ecotoxicological studies and considered as a model organism. However, D. polymorpha abundances are declining while another species colonizes most of the freshwaters: Dreissena rostriformis bugensis. This species has already been studied in ecophysiology but there is still a lack of data concerning its responses to stressors before its use as a bioindicator of environmental pollution. This study aims to compare the responses of the two species exposed to metal stress. Responses at different levels of biological organization were targeted with measurement of sub-cellular and individual biomarkers following an exposure of up to 7 days to cadmium at 10 μg.L−1. At the individual level, the scope for growth (SFG) was measured. It corresponds to the energy allocated to growth and reproduction. D. polymorpha exhibits variations in biomarker measurements as well as in the SFG in presence of Cd. D. r. bugensis shows no variation in its responses at the different targeted levels. According to the present results, energy metabolism seems to have an essential role for these species when facing a metal stress. Different energy allocation strategies were evidenced between the two species, although the link with biochemical biomarkers is more evident for D. polymorpha than for D. r. bugensis.

Multibiomarker biomonitoring approach using three bivalve species in the Ebro Delta (Catalonia, Spain).

Bivalves have proved to be useful bioindicators for environmental pollution. In the present study, mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis), cockles (Cerastoderma edule), and razor shells (Solen marginatus) were collected in the Ebro Delta, an extensive area devoted to rice farming and affected by pesticide pollution, from April to July, the heaviest rice field treatment period. Possible effects of pollution were assessed through biochemical markers (carboxylesterase (CE), antioxidant and neurotoxicity-related enzymes, and lipid peroxidation levels). Data on environmental variables, bivalve reproductive condition, and presence of organic pollutants, marine phycotoxins, pathogens, or histopathological conditions in bivalve's tissues were also evaluated. Although the bioaccumulated pesticides did not explain the patterns observed for biochemical responses, the obtained results point to an effect of environmental pesticide pollution on enzymatic markers, with a prominent contribution of CE to such changes. Mussels and razor shells provided a more sensitive biochemical response to pollution than cockles. Environmental variables, bivalve reproductive condition, and marine phycotoxins did not seem to have a relevant effect on the biomarkers assessed.

Persistent Organic Pollutants and Heavy Metals and the Importance of Fish as a Bio-Indicator of Environmental Pollution

Persistent Organic Pollutants and Heavy Metals and the Importance of Fish as a Bio-Indicator of Environmental Pollution

Persistent Organic Pollutants and Heavy Metals and the Importance of Fish as a Bio-Indicator of Environmental Pollution

Nowadays water pollution is the burning issue all over the world. Aquatic ecosystems are frequently contaminated with different toxicants through anthropogenic activities, and some of them such as metals may be naturally present and essential in low concentration but toxic and harmful in higher concentrations. Having in mind that not all chemical forms of pollutants are equally bioavailable, and some pollutants can be accumulated in living organisms to a greater extent than others, there is a need to study the levels of pollutants in the organisms to be able to predict the environmental risk.