Impact of digenean parasite infection on metallothionein synthesis by the cockle (Cerastoderma edule): a multivariate field monitoring

Metallothioneins (MT) are proteins that play an important role in metabolism of essential metals and detoxification of trace metals from living organisms. Their synthesis is induced by metal pollution but can also be exacerbated by other factors such as reproduction processes. In this context, we monitored MT concentrations in a cockle Cerastoderma edule (marine bivalve) population and highlighted the effect of a castrating digenean parasite, Labratrema minimus. In spent cockles, MT levels were low (ca. 5 nmol sites g(-1), fresh weight) but slightly higher in parasitized individuals. During gametogenesis, MT synthesis increased in all cockles, but concentrations were lower in parasitized individuals (18 against 27 nmol sites g(-1), fw in unparasitized cockles) in relation with gonad damage by parasites. Therefore, it is suggested that parasite infection in cockles can modulate MT synthesis that could consequently interfere with the response of these protective proteins in case of metal contamination.     

The effects of salinity on the Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) using the neutral red retention assay with adapted physiological saline solutions

This study investigated the internal osmotic regulatory capabilities of the Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) following in vivo exposure to a range of salinities. A second objective was to measure the health status of the Manila clam following exposure to different salinities using the neutral red retention (NRR) assay, and to compare results using a range of physiological saline solutions (PSS). On exposure to seawater of differing salinities, the Manila clam followed a pattern of an osmoconformer, although they seemed to partially regulate their circulatory haemolytic fluids to be hyperosmotic to the surrounding aqueous environment. Significant differences were found when different PSS were used, emphasizing the importance of using a suitable PSS to reduce additional osmotic stress. Using PSS in the NRR assay that do not exert additional damage to lysosomal membrane integrity will help to more accurately quantify the effects of exposure to pollutants on the organism(s) under investigation.     

Human health risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from consumption of blood cockle and exposure to contaminated sediments and water along the Klang Strait,Malaysia

The concentration of carcinogenic poly aromatic hydrocarbons (c-PAHs) present in water and sediment of Klang Strait as well as in the edible tissue of blood cockle (Anadara granosa) was investigated.The human health risk of c-PAHs was assessed in accordance with the standards of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). The cancer risks of c-PAHs to human are expected to occur through the consumption of blood cockles or via gastrointestinal exposure to polluted sediments and water in Kalng Strait. The non-carcinogenic risks that are associated with multiple pathways based on ingestion rate and contact rates with water were higher than the US EPA safe level at almost all stations, but the non-carcinogenic risks for eating blood cockle was below the level of US EPA concern. A high correlation between concentrations of c-PAHs in different matrices showed that the bioaccumulation of c-PAHs by blood cockles could be regarded as a potential health hazard for the consumers.     

Assessing benthic ecological impacts of bottom aquaculture using macrofaunal assemblages

Bottom aquaculture of bivalves is a high-yield culture method, which is increasingly adopted by shellfish farmers worldwide. However, the effects of bottom aquaculture on benthic ecosystems are not well-known. Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum), is a widely distributed bottom aquaculture mollusk species. To assess the ecological impacts of Manila clam bottom aquaculture, clams and other macrofaunal assemblages were investigated during four cruises (July and November 2011, February and May 2012) at six sampling sites in Jiaozhou Bay, China. Correlation analysis showed that macrofaunal assemblages had significant negative correlations with the abundance of Manila clams. However, according to the results of several biotic indices, a low disturbance was detected by Manila clam bottom aquaculture. In conclusion, AMBI (AZTI'S Marine Biotic Index) and M-AMBI (Multivariate AZTI Marine Biotic Index) indices are more suitable for assessing ecological quality than polychaete/amphipod ratios when the disturbance is slight, such as at a bivalve bottom aquaculture.     

The effect of sewage effluent on the population density and size of the clam Parvilucina tenuisculpta

Changes in the population density and size of the clam Parvilucina tenuisculpta were related to municipal waste effluent (in particular, organic nitrogen concentration) off the coast of Palos Verdes, California. Average clam size increased as sediment organic nitrogen concentration increased, but population density increased until organic nitrogen concentration reached a critical level when population density decreased dramatically. These effects were explained in terms of increased available nutrition (in the form of sediment organic nitrogen pollutants) enhancing both population and individual size growth. However, when a critical concentration of organic decomposition products was reached, population density decreased due to the toxicity of the released compounds. It is suggested that Parvilucina tenuisculpta would make a good bioindicator of organic enrichment pollution.     

Burrowing responses of the short-neck clam Ruditapes philippinarum to sediment contaminants

The burrowing responses of a common tropical bivalve, the short-neck clam Ruditapes philippinarum, to cadmium (Cd)-spiked sediment, variations of sediment grain size and natural sediments collected from 15 locations in Hong Kong's inshore waters were investigated through a series of laboratory tests. Results showed that the burrowing response exhibited a negative relationship with an increase in Cd concentration in the spiked sediments. The level of Cd was also found to be directly proportional to the percent mortality of the clam. However, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the time elapsed for the clam to burrow into sediments with different grain size composition. The elapsed time for 50% of the test clams to burrow into the sediment (ET₅₀) over a period of 48 h was calculated for the sediment samples collected from the 15 locations. Results of ANOVA showed significant difference (p<0.05) among the sediment samples. Tukey's multiple comparison test revealed two groups of sediments: group 1 containing 3 sediment samples collected from Victoria Harbour and group 2 containing 12 samples obtained from other coastal areas of Hong Kong. The ET₅₀ value for group 1 sediments was found to be greater than 2880 min whilst the ET₅₀ for group 2 sediments had a mean of 173.9 min. Agglomerative classification of the sediment samples, based on metal content (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn), also showed two similar groups, suggesting that the ET₅₀ values were correlated with the metal level of the sediment samples. Group 1 sediments collected from Victoria Harbour had greater concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn as compared to that in group 2. The present study demonstrated that high metal content in the sediment tends to inhibit the burrowing responses of the clam and that there is potential to develop the burrowing responses of R. philippinarum as a sublethal sediment toxicity test.     

Response of an estuarine benthic community to application of the pesticide carbaryl and cultivation of Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) in Willapa Bay, Washington

Oyster culture operations on the West coast of North America have developed into complete farming operations for the introduced Japanese oyster, Crassostrea gigas, which now covers vast areas of the intertidal landscape, particularly in Washington State where the pesticide carbaryl has also been used to control burrowing thalassinid shrimp for more than 30 years. Field experiments were conducted to examine the effects of these habitat modifications on the benthic community in Willapa, Bay Washington (124 degrees 06'W,46 degrees 24'N) where 50% of the state's oyster production occurs. Results indicated that the primary long-term effect of carbaryl application was removal of the two species of thalassinid shrimp (Neotrypaea californiensis and Upogebia pugettensis), which dominated the community at the start of the experiment and clearly influenced community composition themselves. Small peracarid crustaceans like the amphipods Corophium acherusicum and Eohaustorius estuarius experienced the most significant short-term mortalities, but generally recruited back to treated sites within 3 months, and were often more abundant on treated than untreated sites 1 year after carbaryl application. Results for molluscs were mixed, with no significant effect on Macoma spp, but a significant effect on the commensal clam Crytomya californica and mixed results for the cockle Clinocardium nutalli. Polychaetes were the least susceptible to carbaryl and with the exception of a short-term effect on oligochaetes, no significant negative effects were observed. The addition of oysters did not affect the infaunal community in this study, however greater abundance of epifaunal organisms like mussels, scaleworms, and the amphipod Amphithoe valida, which builds tubes in algae attached to shells, was observed. Carbaryl, which is currently applied to roughly 242 ha (< 6% of the intertidal) in Willapa Bay on an annual basis, has a variable but relatively short-term effect on the benthic community, which should be viewed in the context of other oyster culture operations like the addition of oysters themselves to a community often dominated by burrowing thalassinid shrimp which clearly control its dynamics.     

First evidence of altered vitellogenin-like protein levels in clam Tapes philippinarum and in cockle Cerastoderma glaucum from the Lagoon of Venice

Possible xenoestrogenic effects were investigated, for the first time, in two bivalve species from the Lagoon of Venice (Italy): the clam Tapes philippinarum and the cockle Cerastoderma glaucum. Bivalves were collected far from their reproductive phase at the very early stage of gametogenesis (January), and in the pre-spawning period (June) in six sites. Vitellogenin (Vg)-like proteins (a biomarker of exposure to estrogenic compounds) were measured by the alkali-labile phosphate method (ALP), in both haemolymph and digestive gland from males and females (when it was possible to distinguish sex by microscopic observation of gonadal tissue). Haemolymph calcium concentrations (a parameter considered closely related to the presence of Vg-like proteins) and the bivalve condition index (CI) were also measured. In both seasons, bivalves collected at Campalto (near a sewage treatment plant) and Marghera (a highly contaminated area) had higher Vg-like protein levels, particularly in haemolymph, than animals from the other sampling sites. Interestingly, CI had high values in these polluted sites. In June only, Vg-like proteins and Ca(2+) levels in haemolymph exhibited similar trends in both bivalve species at most sampling sites. The responsiveness of bivalves to environmental xenoestrogens was higher in June, allowing better discrimination among sites. The present study demonstrates that animals from highly polluted areas have increased Vg-like protein levels. As endocrine disruption due to exposure to estrogenic compounds may cause fertility reduction, alterations in the sex ratio, and a decrease in reproductive rate, a condition of potential risk for bivalve populations in estuarine areas is highlighted.     

Eco-epidemiology: On the Need to Measure Health Effects from Global Change

To prevent harm to human health from degrading ecosystems, epidemiologists need useful indicators that are sensitive to those shifts in health status that might parallel these declines. Traditional measures of health (e.g., life expectancy, infant mortality) are intuitively linkable to effects from environmental degradation but, in fact, they do not appear to provide early warning indications of negative ecological impacts on health. Alternative health measures, such as social well-being, may be needed for epidemiological research. New measures must combine those factors having policy relevance, including sensitive measures of well-being and of health, with models of those human behaviours that contribute to ecological declines. Exposure factors (e.g., pollution) made worse by ecosystem changes (e.g., global warming) also are relevant. In addition, epidemiologists must be able to relate health outcomes not only to the traditional base of geo-political boundaries (e.g., census tracts or countries), but more appropriately to eco-regions (e.g., climate regions). Only then could direct comparisons of effect be made between areas that have eco-region as the common base for defining both denominators and numerator events for rate calculations and comparisons. In conclusion, administrative infrastructure is needed so that meaningful eco-epidemiology can be conducted. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

不同水深条件下沉水植物苦草（Vallisneria natans）的形态响应和生长策略

苦草(Vallisneria natans)为我国常见的沉水植物之一,目前对水生态修复工程后苦草种群生长策略尚缺乏深入了解.以水生态修复工程1年后的苦草种群为研究对象,探讨水深对苦草叶片、匍匐茎、块茎等形态特征和苦草株数、匍匐茎数以及生物量等种群参数的影响,并分析水深胁迫下苦草的生长策略.结果表明,随着水深增加,尽管苦草单位面积株数和单位面积匍匐茎数均显著降低,但叶片长度、叶片宽度、叶片厚度、叶面积、匍匐茎长度、匍匐茎粗和块茎粗随水深显著增加,因而,苦草地上生物量也显著增加.其中,叶片长度和叶面积变异较大,对水深变化敏感,而叶片宽度、叶片厚度、匍匐茎长度、匍匐茎粗和块茎粗变异不大,对水深变化敏感程度低.在低光照胁迫下,苦草在亲株生长和子株输出之间存在权衡,一方面通过增加叶片投资保障亲株的资源利用效率,一方面通过降低亲株密度保障子株生长发育,从而实现种群空间生态位扩展和持续更新.在水生态修复工程中,考虑苦草的种群更新能力和施工的可操作性,在透明度为1.0~1.5m的条件下,苦草的适宜种植水深为0.5~1.0 m.     

First evidence of altered vitellogenin-like protein levels in clam Tapes philippinarum and in cockle Cerastoderma glaucum from the Lagoon of Venice

Possible xenoestrogenic effects were investigated, for the first time, in two bivalve species from the Lagoon of Venice (Italy): the clam Tapes philippinarum and the cockle Cerastoderma glaucum. Bivalves were collected far from their reproductive phase at the very early stage of gametogenesis (January), and in the pre-spawning period (June) in six sites. Vitellogenin (Vg)-like proteins (a biomarker of exposure to estrogenic compounds) were measured by the alkali-labile phosphate method (ALP), in both haemolymph and digestive gland from males and females (when it was possible to distinguish sex by microscopic observation of gonadal tissue). Haemolymph calcium concentrations (a parameter considered closely related to the presence of Vg-like proteins) and the bivalve condition index (CI) were also measured. In both seasons, bivalves collected at Campalto (near a sewage treatment plant) and Marghera (a highly contaminated area) had higher Vg-like protein levels, particularly in haemolymph, than animals from the other sampling sites. Interestingly, CI had high values in these polluted sites. In June only, Vg-like proteins and Ca²⁺ levels in haemolymph exhibited similar trends in both bivalve species at most sampling sites. The responsiveness of bivalves to environmental xenoestrogens was higher in June, allowing better discrimination among sites. The present study demonstrates that animals from highly polluted areas have increased Vg-like protein levels. As endocrine disruption due to exposure to estrogenic compounds may cause fertility reduction, alterations in the sex ratio, and a decrease in reproductive rate, a condition of potential risk for bivalve populations in estuarine areas is highlighted.     

Coral reef health and effects of socio-economic factors in Fiji and Cook Islands

This research focuses on coral reef health in the South Pacific region, an area of high global coral diversity. Coral reef health surrounding four island case studies in the Cook Islands and Fiji have been assessed in areas that have not been previously surveyed. This study compares four islands with barrier and fringing reefs that have different levels of economic development, population pressure, land-use practices, and marine management practices. This interdisciplinary research methodology includes both ecological and social data collection to further understanding of human environment interactions. In comparing the reefs with different socio-economic factors, this research shows that reefs with traditional systems of resources management are healthier, population pressure is not the main factor causing the demise of the reefs and agro-industry is the main industry causing the degradation of the reef in these four South Pacific Islands. In addition, researchers need to use a whole reef perspective to examine coral reef health.     

First evidence of altered vitellogenin-like protein levels in clam Tapes philippinarum and in cockle Cerastoderma glaucum from the Lagoon of Venice

Possible xenoestrogenic effects were investigated, for the first time, in two bivalve species from the Lagoon of Venice (Italy): the clam Tapes philippinarum and the cockle Cerastoderma glaucum. Bivalves were collected far from their reproductive phase at the very early stage of gametogenesis (January), and in the pre-spawning period (June) in six sites. Vitellogenin (Vg)-like proteins (a biomarker of exposure to estrogenic compounds) were measured by the alkali-labile phosphate method (ALP), in both haemolymph and digestive gland from males and females (when it was possible to distinguish sex by microscopic observation of gonadal tissue). Haemolymph calcium concentrations (a parameter considered closely related to the presence of Vg-like proteins) and the bivalve condition index (CI) were also measured. In both seasons, bivalves collected at Campalto (near a sewage treatment plant) and Marghera (a highly contaminated area) had higher Vg-like protein levels, particularly in haemolymph, than animals from the other sampling sites. Interestingly, CI had high values in these polluted sites. In June only, Vg-like proteins and Ca²⁺ levels in haemolymph exhibited similar trends in both bivalve species at most sampling sites. The responsiveness of bivalves to environmental xenoestrogens was higher in June, allowing better discrimination among sites. The present study demonstrates that animals from highly polluted areas have increased Vg-like protein levels. As endocrine disruption due to exposure to estrogenic compounds may cause fertility reduction, alterations in the sex ratio, and a decrease in reproductive rate, a condition of potential risk for bivalve populations in estuarine areas is highlighted.     

Assessment of Clam Ruditapes philippinarum as Heavy Metal Bioindicators Using NMR‐Based Metabolomics

There are mainly distributed three pedigrees (White, Liangdao Red, and Zebra) of Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum in Yantai population along the Bohai marine and coast. However, the biological differences to environmental stressors have been ignored in toxicology studies, which could lead to the distortion of biological interpretations of toxicological effects induced by environmental contaminants. In this study, we applied a system biology approach, metabolomics to compare the metabolic profiles in digestive gland from three pedigrees of clam and characterize and compare the metabolic responses induced by mercury in clam digestive gland tissues to determine a sensitive pedigree of clam as a preferable bioindicator for metal pollution monitoring and toxicology research. The most abundant metabolites, respectively, included branched‐chain amino acids, alanine, and arginine in White samples, glutamate, dimethylglycine, and glycine in Zebra clams and acetylcholine, betaine, glucose, and glycogen in Liangdao Red clams. After 48 h exposure of 20 µg L^?1 Hg²⁺, the metabolic profiles from the three pedigrees of clams showed differentially significant changes in alanine, glutamate, succinate, taurine, hypotaurine, glycine, arginine, glucose, etc. Our findings indicate the toxicological effects of mercury exposure in Manila clams including the neurotoxicity, disturbances in energetic metabolisms and osmoregulation in the digestive glands and suggest that Liangdao Red pedigree of clam could be a preferable bioindicator for the metal pollution monitoring based on the more sensitive classes of metabolic changes from digestive glands compared with other two (White and Zebra) pedigrees of clams.     

Application of biomarkers for improving risk assessments of chemicals under the Water Framework Directive: a case study

To answer the requirement of the European Commission's Water Framework Directive (WFD) for biological-effects endpoints to classify the ecological health of aquatic ecosystems, we propose the biomarker response index (BRI). The BRI, based on a suite of biomarkers at different levels of biological response at the individual level, provides an integrated relative measure of the general health status of coastal invertebrates. Using the BRI, the health of mussels (Mytilus edulis) from 10 estuaries classified by the Environment Agency of England and Wales under the WFD was compared. Eight sites were healthier than predicted and two showed a similar health status to that of the predicted point-source pollution risk classification. Results indicate that the BRI offers a potential measure of organism health that can be used in monitoring under the WFD as an additional aid to reduce uncertainty in defining risk classification and to provide better evidence of existing impact.     

Exposure of the clam Tapes philippinarum to 4-nonylphenol: changes in anti-oxidant enzyme activities and re-burrowing capability

The effects of 4-nonylphenol on anti-oxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase and catalase) activity in both gills and digestive gland and re-burrowing capability of the clam Tapes philippinarum were investigated after 7 days' exposure to various sublethal concentrations of nonylphenol (NP). NP caused a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase activity in both tissues from the lowest concentration tested, whereas no significant alteration with respect to controls was observed in catalase activity. NP effects on re-burrowing of clams were evaluated in two experiments. In the first, clams exposed to the highest NP concentrations showed a marked delay in re-burrowing 48 h after the end of exposure. Modifications in normal burrowing behaviour were also observed, suggesting that NP acts via narcosis and/or neurotoxic mechanisms. In the second experiment, the elapsed time for 50% of the exposed clams to re-burrow into the sediment (RT(50)) was also calculated in a 24-h re-burrowing response test. At the highest NP concentrations, it was not possible to estimate RT(50) values, as the percentage of clams showing complete burial was less than 50%. The present study demonstrates that NP causes oxidative stress by inhibiting superoxide dismutase activity and greatly affects the re-burrowing capability of T. philippinarum, even at environmentally realistic concentrations.     

Biomonitoring of pollution by Cerastoderma edule from the British Isles: a Laser Ablation ICP-MS study

Shells of the common cockle Cerastoderma edule have been analysed using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) for a suite of elements (Pb, Cu, As, Zn and U). The samples of C. edule were obtained from four sites in the British Isles, two facing the Atlantic and two adjacent to the Irish Sea. The LA-ICP-MS technique, permits high resolution examination of the relationship between the concentrations of elements in the hard parts and that in the environment. This study shows that this bivalve can be used as a biomonitor of pollution. All four areas under investigation are affected by anthropogenic pollution, in particular Zn and Cu, and are characterized by short-term extreme pollution events. Furthermore, high levels of U are recorded from the cockles sampled from the sites adjacent to the Irish Sea, probably related to a combination of both natural and industrial effluents discharged into the area.     

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in a benthic ecosystem in Gwangyang Bay, South Korea

Benthic ecosystem in Gwangyang Bay, a fast developing industrial area with steel production, port container handling, petroleum and other chemical processing in South Korea was studied. The average levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (ΣPCB) in the benthic components were: seawater 2.99 ± 0.13 (ng/L); sediment 294 ± 118 (ng/g TOC); [biota=ng/g lipid] starfish 92; prawn 131 ± 2; mussels 127 ± 22; crab 182 ± 114; clam 187; polychaeta 215; sea cucumber 497 ± 90; squill 603 ± 38; fish 396 ± 159. Levels in the inner bay samples were higher than the outer bay samples suggesting land based pollution. Good correlation (r(2)=0.79; p<0.05) existed between PCB concentration and lipid content indicating partitioning processes in action. PCB signature in the abiotic and biotic components shows enrichment of lower chlorinated congeners emitted by a unique source nearby, viz. steel manufacturing plant.     

Toxicological Effects Induced by Cadmium in Gills of Manila Clam Ruditapes philippinarum Using NMR‐Based Metabolomics

Cadmium (Cd) has become an important heavy metal contaminant in the sediment and seawater along the Bohai Sea and been of great ecological risk due to its toxic effects to marine organisms. In this work, the toxicological effects caused by environmentally relevant concentrations (10 and 40 µg L^?1) of Cd were studied in the gill tissues of Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum after exposure for 24, 48, and 96 h. Both low (10 µg L^?1) and high (40 µg L^?1) doses of Cd caused the disturbances in energy metabolism and osmotic regulation and neurotoxicity based on the metabolic biomarkers such as succinate, alanine, branched chain amino acids, betaine, hypotaurine, and glutamate in clam gills after 24 h of exposure. However, the recovery of toxicological effects of Cd after exposure for 96 h was obviously observed in clam to Cd exposures. Overall, these results indicated that NMR‐based metabolomics was applicable to elucidate the toxicological effects of heavy metal contaminants in the marine bioindicator.     

三峡库区浮游植物群落结构特征及水生态评价

2020年是长江禁渔开局之年,三峡库区作为长江的重要生态屏障,其水生态环境健康对长江大保护的实施具有重要意义。本文于2020年8月、11月及2021年1月、4月在三峡库区干支流共设置19个断面探究浮游植物群落结构特征,并利用生物量、多样性指数、综合营养状态指数和浮游植物Q指数等多种评价方法评价三峡库区水生态健康并分析其影响因素。结果表明:(1)三峡库区共鉴定出浮游植物8门105属266种,年平均丰度为6.4×10⁴ cells/L,年平均生物量为0.038 mg/L。不同季节优势种组成不同,变异直链藻(Melosira varians Agardh)、骨条藻(Sheletonema spp.)、脆杆藻(Fragilaria spp.)为全年优势种。(2)三峡库区共划分24个功能群,B、D、MP、S1、P、Y为优势功能群。RDA分析表明,电导率、总氮、化学需氧量、总磷、pH、总溶解性固体与三峡库区四季功能群呈现显著关系。(3)相较于丰度、生物量和多样性水质评价结果,浮游植物Q指数更适用于三峡库区水生态评价,显示三峡库区干流水生态环境总体较好,但春、夏两季支流浮游植物...