title: Integrated Use of Biomarkers (O : N Ratio and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition) on Aulacomya ater (Molina, 1782) (Bivalvia: Mytilidae) as a Criteria for Effects of Organophosphate Pesticide Exposition.
abstract: The effect of residual concentrations of organophosphate pesticide chlorpyrifos (Lorsban 4E) on the activity of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme and oxygen : nitrogen ratio in the mussel Aulacomya ater was analyzed. Toxicity tests show a sensitivity to the pesticide in the bivalve estimated at 16 μg L(-1) (LC(50-96 hours)). Concentrations between 0.2 and 1.61 μg L(-1) were able to inhibit significantly the AChE activity, and concentrations between 0.8 and 1.61 μg L(-1) stimulate ammonia excretion and decrease oxygen : ammonia-N (O : N) ratio, with respect to the control group. A. ater proved to be a species sensitive to pesticide exposure and easy to handle in lab conditions. Thus, it is recommended as a bioindicator for use in programs of environmental alertness in the Eastern South Pacific coastal zone.
authors.affiliation: Centro Regional de Estudios Ambientales (CREA), Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, P.O. Box 297, Concepción, Chile.
authors.forename: Eduardo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Führer
authors.forename: Anny
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rudolph
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Espinoza
authors.forename: Rodrigo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Díaz
authors.forename: Marisol
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gajardo
authors.forename: Nuria
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Camaño