title: Biomonitoring study of an estuarine coastal ecosystem, the Sacca di Goro lagoon, using Ruditapes philippinarum (Mollusca: Bivalvia).
abstract: Coastal lagoons are constantly subjected to releases of chemical pollutants, and so organisms may be exposed to such toxicants. This study investigated through a multivariate approach the physiological status of bivalve Ruditapes philippinarum, farmed in Sacca di Goro lagoon. Biomarkers at different levels of biological organization (catalase, superoxide dismutase, genotoxicity, reburrowing behavior) were evaluated at three sites exposed to different environmental conditions. A seasonal trend was observed, and micronucleus frequency was significantly lowest at the relatively pristine reference site. Enzymatic activity toward oxyradicals be quite efficient since variations in responsiveness were not consistent. However, behavioral impairment was observed in reburrowing rates. Sediment concentrations showed low PAH levels and high natural levels of trace metals Cr and Ni. DistLM statistical analysis revealed a non-significant relationship between selected biomarkers and xenobiotics. Therefore other potentially toxic compounds in admixture at low doses may be involved in driving differing spatial distribution of physiological impairment.
authors.affiliation: Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29100 Piacenza, Italy. angela.sacchi@unicatt.it
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sacchi
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mouneyrac
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bolognesi
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sciutto
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Roggieri
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fusi
authors.forename: Gian Maria
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Beone
authors.forename: Ettore
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Capri
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D049872:Bivalvia / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D002374:Catalase / Q000378:metabolism; D017753:Ecosystem; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D063366:Estuaries; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000737:chemistry; D007558:Italy; D008670:Metals / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D012623:Seawater / Q000737:chemistry; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000378:metabolism; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D008670:Metals; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D002374:Catalase; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase