Measurements of biochemical markers of pollution in mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis from coastal areas of the Saronikos Gulf (Greece)

Alterations in a number of biochemical parameters in marine organisms represent specific markers of exposure to particular classes of contaminants. They are used as tools for the detection and monitoring of pollution. In this study, two biochemical markers of pollution, metallothionein (MT) content and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity were measured in indigenous and transplanted mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis from coastal areas within the Saronikos Gulf subject to high anthropogenic activities. Biannual measurements of the two biomarkers in indigenous mussel populations for two years revealed no significant differences among stations representing a pollution gradient. Limited differences in MT levels were only found between mussel populations transplanted at lesser and more impacted stations. Both biomarkers showed a variation with respect to the season of sampling, whilst during the second year of measurements a concomitant increase in metallothionein content with a decrease in acetylcholinesterase activity was noted. Our results indicate that the applied biochemical markers in indigenous mussel populations do not reflect the type of pollution in the Saronikos Gulf to a degree that can be used for pollution monitoring in the area

Metal and metallothionein levels in zooplankton in relation to environmental exposure: spatial and temporal variability (Saronikos Gulf, Greece)

Metal and metallothionein (MT) in mixed zooplankton were investigated as means of monitoring metal availability regarding environmental exposure. Spatial and temporal variability of Cd, Cu, Ni, Zn, Fe, Mn and Pb in zooplankton and seawater were studied in Saronikos Gulf (Aegean Sea, Eastern Mediterranean), once every second month during an annual cycle (2011–2012). Particulate organic carbon and chlorophyll α were also measured in seawater samples. Median zooplankton metal concentrations were 0.65, 32.4, 7.1, 864, 1420, 40.2 and 26.8 μg g-1 dw for Cd, Cu, Ni, Zn, Fe, Mn and Pb, respectively, and 109 μg g-1 ww for MTs. Metal levels in zooplankton and MTs were higher at sites influenced by human-derived pressures. Additionally, metal concentrations in pelagic fish flesh from the Greek MED-POL data base were used for bioconcentration and biomagnification factors calculation. Bioconcentration from water to zooplankton was higher than metal transfer from either seston to zooplankton or zooplankton to fish. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH, DE part of Springer Nature

Multiple biomarkers of pollution effects in caged mussels on the Greek coastline

A suite of biomarkers was measured in caged mussels at areas impacted by different anthropogenic activities along the Greek coastline to assess biological effects of environmental pollution. Mussels were caged at coastal sites in the vicinity of major cities, in areas influenced by major industries, agricultural practices and in islands away from known sources of pollution. Biomarkers indicative of neurotoxicity (acetylcholinesterase, AchE), oxidative stress (catalase, CAT), phase 11 biotransformation of xenobiotics (glutathione S-transferase, GST), metal exposure (metallothioneins, MTs) and protein synthesis (RNA:DNA ratio) were measured to assess effects of various types of pollutants. AchE activity proved to be the most responsive biomarker with decreased values at sites influenced by agricultural, urban and industrial activities. Decreased CAT and GST activities and increased MTs levels were recorded at a number of anthropogenic-impacted sites. RNA:DNA ratio showed a biphasic response as both high and low values were found at impacted sites. Principal component analysis clearly distinguished sites receiving pollution inputs from non-polluted sites. The combination of the selected biomarkers used in caged mussels resulted useful in the assessment of the effects of environmental pollution. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

Metal and metallothionein levels in zoopankton in relation to environmental exposure: spatial and temporal variability (Saronikos Gulf, Greece)

Articulo CientíficoMetal and metallothionein (MT) in mixed zooplankton were investigated as means of monitoring metal availability regarding environmental exposure. Spatial and temporal variability of Cd, Cu, Ni, Zn, Fe, Mn and Pb in zooplankton and seawater were studied in Saronikos Gulf (Aegean Sea, Eastern Mediterranean), once every second month during an annual cycle (2011–2012). Particulate organic carbon and chlorophyll α were also measured in seawater samples. Median zooplankton metal concentrations were 0.65, 32.4, 7.1, 864, 1420, 40.2 and 26.8 μg g-1 dw for Cd, Cu, Ni, Zn, Fe, Mn and Pb, respectively, and 109 μg g-1 ww for MTs. Metal levels in zooplankton and MTs were higher at sites influenced by human-derived pressures. Additionally, metal concentrations in pelagic fish flesh from the Greek MED-POL data base were used for bioconcentration and biomagnification factors calculation. Bioconcentration from water to zooplankton was higher than metal transfer from either seston to zooplankton or zooplankton to fish.Versión del editor2,65

Active biomonitoring in Greek coastal waters: Application of the integrated biomarker response index in relation to contaminant levels in caged mussels

An integrated approach using biomarkers and contaminant levels in mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis L was employed to assess chemical contamination in Greek coastal waters within the framework of the MYTIMED program. Biomarkers (metallothioneins, glutathione S-transferase, catalase, acetylcholinesterase and RNA:DNA ratio) have been previously described in mussels caged at 14 sites in coastal areas influenced by different types of anthropogenic activities. This study applied a biomarker index, the Integrated Biomarker Response (IBR) to summarize biomarker responses and relate stress levels to concentrations of organochlorine compounds (PCBs, DDTs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and metals (Cu, Ni, Fe, Zn) measured in the mussel tissues. The IBR index indicated environmental stress at sites near cities and industries and was overall related to organic contaminants, but also elevated metal concentrations at certain sites. Slightly increased IBR values at few sites away from known pollution sources were not accompanied with increased contaminant levels suggesting stress possibly caused by natural factors. Results confirmed the usefulness of integration of biological effects measurements and chemical analysis for the assessment of chemical contamination in coastal waters. (C) 2011 Elsevier By. All rights reserved