From biomarkers to population responses in Nereis diversicolor: assessment of stress in estuarine ecosystems.
Suborganismal responses to toxicants can be sensitive tools to assess marine pollution, but their ecological significance is a matter of debate. Among these biomarkers, those linked to reproduction are most probably related to populational effects. To test this hypothesis, Nereis diversicolor were collected in the multipolluted Seine estuary and the comparatively clean Authie estuary (France). Energy reserves were higher in Authie worms, suggesting a better physiological status. The number of oocytes per female was higher for the polychaetes from the Authie, but it was related to the size of animals, which was higher at this site. Densities of worms were depleted in the Seine compared to those in Authie. Demographic structure of the Seine population was also altered. The concomitant changes in energy reserves, egg production, and population structure and density suggest that the effects on biomarkers and at the population level are related.
Durou
Cyril
C
Institut de Biologie et d'Ecologie Appliquée - CEREA, Université Catholique de l'Ouest, 44, rue Rabelais, 49008 Angers Cedex 01, France. cyril.durou@uco.fr
Smith
Brian D
BD
Roméo
Michèle
M
Rainbow
Philip S
PS
Mouneyrac
Catherine
C
Mouloud
Mohamed
M
Gnassia-Barelli
Mauricette
M
Gillet
Patrick
P
Deutch
Bruno
B
Amiard-Triquet
Claude
C
D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D017753:Ecosystem; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D006003:Glycogen / Q000378:metabolism; D050356:Lipid Metabolism; D011077:Polychaeta / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D011156:Population Density; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D012098:Reproduction / Q000187:drug effects; D014873:Water Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*
D015415:Biomarkers; D011506:Proteins; D014873:Water Pollutants; D006003:Glycogen