1 research outputs found
Biomarker responses in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) from a highly populated Mediterranean coastal area: The Gulf of La Spezia
The aim of this study, conducted as collaboration between the
Department of Environmental Sciences (Siena University) and
ICRAM (Rome), was to validate an integrated methodology to evaluate
the ecotoxicological hazard in the gulf of La Spezia (Ligurian
sea), a Mediterranean coastal area with high anthropogenic impact.
The methodology was based on the application of a set of biomarkers
(etoxyresorufin-o-deethylase (EROD), porphyrins, PAH bile
metabolites) and chemical analysis (organochlorines (OCs), polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals) on two teleostean
species with high commercial interest: the European sea bass
(Dicentrarchus labrax) and the gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata).
The coastline offshore the village of Lavagna, 50km west of La Spezia,
was selected as reference site. Seasonal samplings were carried
out; fish were obtained from sea-caged farms at both sites. Statistical
analyses indicated the induction of CYP1A (EROD activity) and
naphthalene metabolites in bile as the most sensitive biomarkers,
showing a significant induction in La Spezia in comparison with
the control site. No significant differences in porphyrin concentrations
were found between the sites. PAHs and OCs levels in liver
and muscle showed a general agreement with biomarker responses.
In conclusion, the integrated use of biomarkers and chemical analysis
in sea bass and sea bream can be considered a powerful tool in
evaluating the impact of pollutants that can be applied within the
framework of marine coastal environmental monitoring programs.
This study was supported by La Spezia Port Autority with the supervision
of ICRAM institute within the research program related to the
monitoring activities for the remediation and dredging activities of
La Spezia Harbour area