Bioaccumulation patterns, element partitioning and biochemical performance of Venerupis corrugata from a low contaminated system. Issue 5 (20th November 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Velez, Catia; Freitas, Rosa; Soares, Amadeu; Figueira, Etelvina
• Is Part Of: Environmental toxicology. Volume 31:Issue 5(2016)
• Page Start: 569
• Page End: 583
• Publication Date: 2014-11-20
• Subjects: clams -- biomarkers -- element partitioning -- oxidative stress; Water quality bioassay -- Periodicals; Water -- Pollution -- Toxicology -- Periodicals; Microbiological assay -- Periodicals; Toxicity testing -- Periodicals; Environmental toxicology -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollutants -- Periodicals; Environmental Monitoring -- Periodicals; Écotoxicologie -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Périodiques; 615.902
• DOI: 10.1002/tox.22070
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1520-4081

Abstract

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). © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 569–583, 2016.