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

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