title: Bioaccumulation patterns, element partitioning and biochemical performance of Venerupis corrugata from a low contaminated system.
abstract: The current study reports metals and arsenic (As) concentrations present in sediments and in the native clam Venerupis corrugata, collected in the Ria de Aveiro, one of the most important aquatic systems of the Portuguese coast with high biodiversity and socio-economic value. Because of its ecological importance in its habitat, and being one of the most exploited bivalve mollusks in Portugal, several biochemical biomarkers were evaluated in order to illustrate the species status when under environmental conditions. The concentration of metals and As in the sediments showed an increase of contamination among areas (areas A-E). The results proved higher bioaccumulation in organisms from the area less contaminated (area A, BAF > 1). The concentration of metals and As was predominant (63.4%) in the insoluble fraction of clams. The biochemical evaluation evidenced an increase of oxidative stress in organisms from the most (D and E) and the less (area A) contaminated areas, demonstrated by higher LPO levels, CAT, and GSHt activities at these areas and the increase of methalotionines (MTs) along the concentration gradient. This suggests a preventive mechanism in order to protect cells against pollutants (metals and As).
authors.affiliation: Departmento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
authors.forename: Catia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Velez
authors.affiliation: Departmento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
authors.forename: Rosa
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Freitas
authors.affiliation: Departmento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
authors.forename: Amadeu
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Soares
authors.affiliation: Departmento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
authors.forename: Etelvina
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Figueira
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001151:Arsenic / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism*; D049872:Bivalvia / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D002374:Catalase / Q000378:metabolism; D017753:Ecosystem; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000737:chemistry; D005978:Glutathione / Q000378:metabolism; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation / Q000187:drug effects; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D008670:Metals / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D008670:Metals; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D002374:Catalase; D005978:Glutathione; D001151:Arsenic
keywords: biomarkers; clams; element partitioning; oxidative stress