Hypoxia impairs embryo development and survival in black bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri)

Coastal environments are threatened by the increasing frequency, extent and severity of hypoxic events. Hypoxia affects vast areas around the world and often causes fish kills, reduced abundance, altered distribution, low benthic biomass and declines in fisheries. In Australia, many fisheries are based on sparid fishes and in the southern states black bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri) is important to both the recreational and commercial sectors. This species completes its entire life cycle in estuaries and annual recruitment is highly variable and very likely influenced by environmental conditions during the spawning season.In a laboratory-based experiment, fertilised black bream eggs (embryos) were exposed to five different levels of dissolved oxygen (DO). The DO levels were maintained in small test wells using nitrogen gas in a novel chamber design. Embryo development was assessed over a 2-day period and hatched larvae were observed until Day 2 post-hatch. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in embryonic development and survival as a function of DO level. In severely hypoxic conditions (30% saturation) survival to 1 day was reduced and no hatching occurred. In moderately hypoxic conditions (45–55%S), both precocious and delayed hatching was observed and hatch rates were reduced, whilst the number of hatched larvae with deformities increased, resulting in reduced larval lengths. No larvae survived to Day 2 post-hatch when held in hypoxic conditions (<55%S). This study demonstrates the detrimental effect that severe hypoxia can have on the early development of black bream which could result in reduced recruitment and lowered abundance. Other species that share similar early life histories may also be at risk.     

Hypoxia impairs embryo development and survival in black bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri)

Coastal environments are threatened by the increasing frequency, extent and severity of hypoxic events. Hypoxia affects vast areas around the world and often causes fish kills, reduced abundance, altered distribution, low benthic biomass and declines in fisheries. In Australia, many fisheries are based on sparid fishes and in the southern states black bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri) is important to both the recreational and commercial sectors. This species completes its entire life cycle in estuaries and annual recruitment is highly variable and very likely influenced by environmental conditions during the spawning season. In a laboratory-based experiment, fertilised black bream eggs (embryos) were exposed to five different levels of dissolved oxygen (DO). The DO levels were maintained in small test wells using nitrogen gas in a novel chamber design. Embryo development was assessed over a 2-day period and hatched larvae were observed until Day 2 post-hatch. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in embryonic development and survival as a function of DO level. In severely hypoxic conditions (30% saturation) survival to 1 day was reduced and no hatching occurred. In moderately hypoxic conditions (45-55%S), both precocious and delayed hatching was observed and hatch rates were reduced, whilst the number of hatched larvae with deformities increased, resulting in reduced larval lengths. No larvae survived to Day 2 post-hatch when held in hypoxic conditions (<55%S). This study demonstrates the detrimental effect that severe hypoxia can have on the early development of black bream which could result in reduced recruitment and lowered abundance. Other species that share similar early life histories may also be at risk.     

Induction of Hepatic Cytochrome P-450 1A in Pikey Bream (Acanthopagrus berda) Collected from Agricultural and Urban Catchments in Far North Queensland

A variety of sources of organic contaminants to the Great Barrier Reef lagoon and near-shore environment exist including boating activity, agriculture and urban run-off. Cytochrome P-450 1A activity as measured by ethoxy-resorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity has been widely used as an indicator of the exposure of fish to organic contaminants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and some organochlorine pesticides. This study demonstrates the successful application of EROD measurements in a common Australian tropical estuarine fish species, Acanthopagrus berda (Pikey Bream), to identify areas under potential stress from organic contaminants. Fish were captured from four creeks draining agricultural land, a creek draining urban land and two creeks with less disturbed catchments. Significant induction of cytochrome P450-1A was observed in fish captured from Ross Creek (urban catchment, 7.4-fold) and Cromarty Creek (agricultural catchment, 6.4-fold). Increased activity was also observed in fish captured from other creeks draining agricultural land (Plantation Creek, Victoria Creek, Seymour River, 1.9–2.6-fold) as compared to those captured from creeks in undisturbed catchments (Baldy Creek, Fisher Creek, 67–114 pmol/min/mg protein).     

Comparative embryotoxicity of phenanthrene and alkyl-phenanthrene to marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma)

Alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (alkyl-PAHs) are the predominant form of PAHs in oil, comprising 85–95% of total PAHs. However, little attention has been paid to these chemicals in ecological risk assessment of marine oil spill. A comparative study of the toxic effects of phenanthrene and retene (7-isopropyl-1-methylphenanthrene, an alkyl-phenanthrene) on the early life stage of marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) was conducted. Results showed that retene was significantly more toxic than phenanthrene, and marine medaka could be more sensitive to retene than some freshwater fishes. Retene had a higher excretion rate than phenanthrene during the larvae stage. Both of compounds resulted in developmental malformation of marine medaka embryos, with phenanthrene affecting on peripheral vascular system and yolk sac, while retene affecting on cardiac tissues. The toxicity of phenanthrene might be mainly related to its anesthetic effects, and that of retene might be related to the CYP1A-mediated toxicity of its metabolites.     

三峡水库和长江中下游通江湖泊(洞庭湖和鄱阳湖)草鱼、鲢的孵化日期及早期生长特征

三峡水库以及上游江段形成的河—库生态系统与长江中下游洞庭湖和鄱阳湖的江湖生态系统都是四大家鱼的重要栖息地,有相似性也有差异.2017年7—8月在三峡水库、洞庭湖和鄱阳湖利用地笼、虾笼、高网和迷魂阵采集草鱼和鲢幼鱼样本,观测耳石日轮,分析三峡水库和通江湖泊草鱼和鲢幼鱼的繁殖时间和早期生长特征及差异,探讨相应的保护措施.结果显示,三峡水库、洞庭湖和鄱阳湖采集草鱼幼鱼的孵化日期分别为4月24日—5月25日、5月21日—6月26日和5月4日—5月28日;鲢幼鱼的孵化日期分别为4月10日—6月12日、5月25日—6月19日和5月9日—6月12日.三峡水库、洞庭湖和鄱阳湖草鱼样本的体长增长率分别为1.04、1.84和1.64 mm/d,微耳石的沉积率分别为3.41、5.41和4.77μm/d;鲢幼鱼的体长增长率分别为1.10、2.87和1.96 mm/d,微耳石沉积率分别为2.96、7.17和4.57μm/d.洞庭湖草鱼和鲢的体长增长率和耳石沉积率均显著大于三峡水库;鄱阳湖鲢的体长增长率和耳石沉积率均显著大于三峡水库,而草鱼的体长增长率和耳石沉积率则与三峡水库没有显著差异.结果表明,三峡水库蓄水后...     

Effects of copper on survival, development and growth of Metapenaeus ensis larvae and postlarvae (decapoda: Penaeidae)

Effects of copper on survival, development and growth of the early developmental stages of the penaeid shrimp, Metapenaeus ensis, were studied in the laboratory. High variability in survival rates were observed among animals from different spawners. Larvae exposed to 0.06 and 0.10 mg Cu l⁻¹ over a 10-day period had lower survival rates and exhibited slower development than control animals. No significant treatment effects were found at 0.04 and 0.08 mg Cu l⁻¹. Effects of copper on survival and growth of postlarvae were studied over an 8-day period. Copper concentrations lower than 0.10 mg l⁻¹ did not affect survival rates. Slower growth rates were observed in postlarvae exposed to 0.08 and 0.10 mg Cu l⁻¹.     

Activity levels of 210Po and 210Pb in some fish species of the Izmir Bay (Aegean Sea)

We investigated the spatial scales of variation of macrofauna in intertidal flats subjected to different levels of contamination from urban effluents in two areas sampled in the Paranaguá Estuarine Complex. The scales considered were: Conditions; Tidal flats and Plots. Although the numerically dominant taxa showed the greatest variability at a scale of Tidal flats, the variability at the Condition scale was also significant. Tubificinae sp. 1, Laeonereis culveri and Heteromastus sp. were the most abundant organisms in the Contaminated area, while Heleobia australis was most abundant in the Non-contaminated area. Our results, contrary to those frequently observed in the literature, showed that the variability was significant at the scale of hundreds of metres (Tidal flats). At this scale, the intrinsic characteristics of each tidal flat are more important in determining macrofaunal distribution, while the effects of the urban sewage contamination represent the primary forces acting at a greater spatial scale.     

Life history and temporal distribution of Orchestia sp. cf. cavimana (Amphipoda, Talitridae) on a lake shore in central Italy

The life history of the amphipod Orchestia sp. cf. cavimana (Heller, 1865) was studied throughout the course of a year with monthly samplings and the use of pitfall traps along the shores of Lake Albano in central Italy. The data thus obtained showed two peaks in abundance (the first in June and the second in October) and a minimum capture frequency in February. Egg-bearing females were recorded in spring and late summer, whilst recruitment occurred from spring to autumn, with maximum in June and October. The data collected also indicated the presence of a positive correlation between the abundance of talitrids and both temperature and sediment moisture. Morphological analysis enabled the identification of four different cohorts (with a lifespan of the species of approximately 12–15 months) all four of which remained distinguishable throughout the course of the year. It, moreover, enabled sex determination in individuals of 5 or more millimetres. The subsequent distribution indicated that, when significant, the sex ratio was female biased and that maximum size was greater in males. In particular, maximum sizes were recorded in spring for both males and females and were of 17.5 and 13.0 mm, respectively. Furthermore, the total body length recorded for egg-bearing females was positively correlated with the number of eggs in their brood pouch.     

双峰无齿蚌Anodonta bigibba(Heude)非寄生变态发育的研究

1993年4、5月份观察到双峰无齿蚌Anodonta bigibba(Heude)母体排出的不是钩介幼虫,而是幼蚌。幼蚌壳中具一呈似三角形、较厚的钩介幼虫外壳,其腹缘顶端具壳钩。幼蚌在原钩介幼虫壳缘生长了1—4环新壳,而且具育带纤毛的足、前后闭壳肌、管状鳃原基和肛门孔等。幼蚌在室内试养存活了39天,显示已具独立生活能力。研究表明,该蚌钩介幼虫在母体育儿囊中已经历并完成变态,发育成幼蚌。这是我国首次发现的一种非寄生变态发育的珠蚌类,对于研究我国珠蚌类的进化及与世界淡水贝类的亲缘关系有着重要价值。此外,鉴于双峰无齿蚌与背角无齿蚌Anodonta woodiana(Lea)的成体壳形和发育生活史的不同,应恢复Heude建立的双峰无齿蚌的种名。     

Climate induced temperature effects on growth performance, fecundity and recruitment in marine fish: developing a hypothesis for cause and effect relationships in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and common eelpout (Zoarces viviparus)

Effects of global warming on animal distribution and performance become visible in many marine ecosystems. The present study was designed to develop a concept for a cause and effect understanding with respect to temperature changes and to explain ecological findings based on physiological processes. The concept is based on a wide comparison of invertebrate and fish species with a special focus on recent data obtained in two model species of fish. These fish species are both characterized by northern and southern distribution limits in the North Atlantic: eelpout (Zoarces viviparus), as a typical non-migrating inhabitant of the coastal zone and the cod (Gadus morhua), as a typical inhabitant of the continental shelf with a high importance for fisheries.Mathematical modelling demonstrates a clear significant correlation between climate induced temperature fluctuations and the recruitment of cod stocks. Growth performance in cod is optimal at temperatures close to 10°C, regardless of the population investigated in a latitudinal cline. However, temperature specific growth rates decrease at higher latitudes. Also, fecundity is less in White Sea than in North and Baltic Sea cod or eelpout populations. These findings suggest that a cold-induced shift in energy budget occurs which is unfavorable for growth performance and fecundity. Thermal tolerance limits shift depending on latitude and are characterized by oxygen limitation at both low or high temperatures. Oxygen supply to tissues is optimized at low temperature by a shift in hemoglobin isoforms and oxygen binding properties to lower affinities and higher unloading potential. Protective stimulation of heat shock protein synthesis was not observed.According to a recent model of thermal tolerance the downward shift of tolerance limits during cold adaptation is associated with rising mitochondrial densities and, thus, aerobic capacity and performance in the cold, especially in eurythermal species. At the same time the costs of mitochondrial maintenance reflected by mitochondrial proton leakage should rise leaving a lower energy fraction for growth and reproduction. The preliminary conclusion can be drawn that warming will cause a northern shift of distribution limits for both species with a rise in growth performance and fecundity larger than expected from the Q₁₀ effect in the north and lower growth or even extinction of the species in the south. Such a shift may heavily affect fishing activities in the North Sea.     

太湖鲚鱼和鲢、鳙鱼的食物组成及相互影响分析

通过分析和比较太湖鲚鱼、鲢、鳙鱼的食物组成,研究了它们间的食物关系;并结合太湖历年鱼类渔获量资料,对渔获量变化间可能存在的相互影响进行了相关分析.结果表明:在9-12月份期间,鲢鱼、鳙鱼食物中微囊藻约占体积比的90%以上、浮游动物不足10%;用Pianka提出的公式计算鲢鱼和鳙鱼间的食物重叠系数为＞0.99,相同食物组成比例为95.40%.而同期调查0 鲚鱼食物中微囊藻约占体积的15%-35%;如不计算微囊藻仅计算浮游动物的个数组成比则为:枝角类占89.77%±13 69%,桡足类占7.84%±11.53%,轮虫占2.39%±4.95%.而简单相关、偏相关分析表明:鲚鱼和鲢、鳙鱼数量变化间的负相关关系均达到显著水平.分析认为:在富营养化条件下,太湖的鲢鱼和鳙鱼以微囊藻为主要食物;而鲚鱼和鲢、鳙鱼食物中浮游动物的种类基本相同,可能存在对浮游动物资源的激烈竞争;它们种群数量变化间的相互影响是负向的,可能存在互相抑制.     

微囊藻(FACHB-905)和鱼腥藻(FACHB-82)响应温度变化的功能特性权衡

微囊藻和鱼腥藻是水华蓝藻的两个主要类群,两种藻均可调节自身形态及生理特性来维持快速生长,这也是两个类群蓝藻水华维持的基础.本研究分析了微囊藻(FACHB-905)和鱼腥藻(FACHB-82)生长、形态及叶绿素荧光参数对温度变化的响应,以及生长与特性间的权衡关系.结果显示:该微囊藻细胞直径随温度升高而降低,但是比增长速率维持稳定,表明在高温条件下,其可能通过减小细胞大小的方式维持比增长速率;该鱼腥藻在不同温度下,平均细胞直径和藻丝长度呈现显著变化,高温条件下,其维持较高的比增长速率,但是细胞直径增大,藻丝长度缩短,这可能是其调节自身形态以维持较高比增长速率的方式.该微囊藻和鱼腥藻分别在细胞较大和较小时,藻细胞潜在的光化学效率更高.本研究表明这两种蓝藻可以通过权衡藻细胞形态、生理特性两者与生长速率之间的关系来适应温度的变化以达到自身最佳的生长状态,微囊藻(FACHB-905)通过调节细胞大小和光合活性来维持生长优势,而鱼腥藻(FACHB-82)则通过细胞大小、藻丝长度和光合活性的调节来维持生长优势.本研究的结果有助于提升对于水华蓝藻生长维持机制的认识.     

Cloning and developmental expression of kinesin superfamily7 (kif7) in the brackish medaka (Oryzias melastigma), a close relative of the Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes)

kif7 is a member of the kinesin superfamily members which are molecular motor proteins that move along microtubules in a highly regulated manner through ATP hydrolysis. In this paper, we report on the cloning of the Oryzias melastigma kif7 (omkif7) using primers designed according to the Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) database. The cloned omkif7 has an open reading frame of 3762bp and is deduced to encode a polypeptide of 1254 amino acids that possesses the putative ATP-binding and microtubule-binding motifs in its motor domain at the N-terminal region. We characterized the cloned omkif7 by comparison with the zebrafish kif7. Both omkif7 and zebrafish kif7 are shown to be expressed in all embryonic stages and adult tissues examined with higher expression level in the testis and ovary. Whole-mount in situ hybridization revealed that the expression of omkif7 is ubiquitous during the early stages of embryonic development, but became more restrictive and localized to the brain, fin bud and eye at later development. This study suggested that the brackish O.melastigma can serve as a good seawater model organism for developmental studies by utilizing the resources developed from its close relative of the Japanese medaka.     

Feeding of European cisco (Coregonus albula and C. lucinensis) on the glacial relict crustacean Mysis relicta in Lake Breiter Luzin (Germany)

Lake Breiter Luzin, located in north-eastern Germany, is known for the rare occurrence of sympatric populations of European cisco, Coregonus albula and C. lucinensis. Moreover, the lake is inhabited by the glacial relict crustacean Mysis relicta, currently found in only three other lakes in Germany. In the present study, the role of M. relicta in the diet of ciscoes was investigated. Between 2001 and 2002 ciscoes, mysids and zooplankton were caught in Lake Breiter Luzin and stomach contents of ciscoes were analysed. There were seasonal changes in the food items in the stomachs, largely reflecting changes in prey availability. The main food items were copepods (45–81%) and mysids (5–26%). Cladocerans had high amounts in the diet only in summer. Seasonal changes in selectivity were also noted for most prey groups. There were also some consistent patterns of prey preference, with an overall preference for mysids. In general, the prey composition in cisco stomachs did not show significant diet changes, but there were some significant differences between day and night feeding in single prey groups, such as cladocerans. Diet composition of ciscoes varied with the different depth strata in which the fish were caught. With increasing depth, the proportion of mysids in the diet significantly increased, whereas that of copepods significantly decreased. Between C. albula and C. lucinensis, no distinct differences in feeding were evident. Mysids provided an additional and important food resource to ciscoes, and were mainly consumed when the availability of other prey organisms decreased, as in autumn and in the deeper strata of the water column. However, mysids preyed on the same food organisms as ciscoes, indicating a strong competition for food between fish and mysids.     

Comparative petroleum hydrocarbons levels and biochemical responses in mussels from hydrothermal vents (Bathymodiolus azoricus) and coastal environments (Mytilus galloprovincialis)

Aliphatic hydrocarbons and PAHs in the whole soft tissues of Bathymodiolus azoricus from three Mid-Atlantic Ridge hydrothermal vents (Menez-Gwen, Lucky Strike and Rainbow), and Mytilus galloprovincialis from three contaminated coastal sites in South Portugal were analysed, and its effects on the digestive gland microsomes mixed-function oxygenase system (MFO) were assessed.Aliphatic hydrocarbons levels were present in the same magnitude in both coastal and hydrothermal environments, while the UCM (unresolved complex mixture) for coastal mussels were higher than in vent mussels. In general, significantly higher PAHs concentrations were found in coastal mussels, compared to B. azoricus where low molecular weight PAHs (2–3 rings) represented the majority of PAHs contrarily to what was observed in M. galloprovincialis. The MFO components were present in both mussel species, and were detected in vent mussels for the first time. However this system seems to have different roles in species from these contrasting environments. In coastal mussels MFO responded to hydrocarbon contamination while response in hydrothermal organisms appeared to be related mainly to endogenous factors.     

Regional variations in trace element concentrations in tissues of black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon (Decapoda: Penaeidae) from South Vietnam

The goal of the present study was to examine the specific bioaccumulation of 22 trace elements in muscle, exoskeleton and hepatopancreas of black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon from the Mekong River Delta (MRD), and the South Key Economic Zone (SKEZ), South Vietnam. The general tendency in most trace element concentrations among different tissues were hepatopancreas > exoskeleton > muscle. Comparisons of trace element levels in tissues between the two regions showed that concentrations of Se in muscle and As in all three tissues were higher in SKEZ; whereas in MRD, the higher concentrations of most elements such as Mn, Cu, Cd, Ba, Hg, were observed in tissues. These geographical variations in trace element levels may reflect the differences in human activities between the two regions of South Vietnam. The target hazard quotient (THQ) values for trace elements (<1) indicate that local residents are not exposed to potential health risks via the consumption of shrimp.     

温度和食物密度对裂足臂尾轮虫(Brachionus diversicornis)生命表统计学参数的影响

运用单个体培养方法研究了温度(15、20、25和30℃)和斜生栅藻(Scenedesmus obliquus)密度(1.0×10⁶、3.0×10⁶和5.0×10⁶cells/ml)对裂足臂尾轮虫(Brachionus diversicornis)出生时的生命期望、世代时间、总生殖率、净生殖率、种群内禀增长率和后代混交率等生活史参数的影响.结果表明,温度对轮虫出生时的生命期望、世代时间、净生殖率和总生殖率均有显著的影响,但对种群内禀增长率和后代混交率无显著的影响;食物密度对轮虫的净生殖率和总生殖率均有显著的影响,但对轮虫出生时的生命期望、世代时间、种群内禀增长率和后代混交率均无显著的影响;食物密度与温度之间的交互作用对轮虫所有生命表统计学参数均无显著影响.轮虫出生时的生命期望和世代时间均随着温度的升高而逐渐显著缩短.轮虫的净生殖率在15℃下最低,30℃下最高,20和25℃间无显著差异;轮虫的总生殖率在15℃下较低,20、25和30℃下较高且三者间无显著差异;轮虫的净生殖率和总生殖率均在3.0×10⁶cells/ml食物密度下较高,1.0×10⁶和5.0×10⁶cells/ml食物密度下较低且两者间无显著差异.     

洞庭湖湿地柳属木本植物与薹草属草本植物群落土壤与水环境特征

木本与草本是植物存在的两种主要生活型,生态功能差异明显,尤其在植物被周期性洪水淹没的湿地生态系统中.为此,以洞庭湖湿地二门闸、五门闸、藕池河口、白沙大桥4个研究点的原生柳属木本植被与薹草属草本植被为研究对象,通过对枯水期土壤理化性质与汛期水流速度、水环境的对比监测,揭示两者生态防护功能的差异.对土壤粒径组成而言,在二门闸与白沙大桥2个研究点,木本与草本植物群落土壤样本之间无显著差异;而在五门闸与藕池河,与草本植物相比,木本植物导致土壤上层(0~30 cm)与下层(60~90 cm)粉粒含量降低,砂粒含量增加,中层(30~60 cm)黏粒与粉粒含量增加,砂粒含量降低.对土壤化学性质而言,木本植物总体上导致土壤有机质与全氮含量升高,而对全磷与全钾含量无显著影响.与草本植物相比,木本植物能显著减缓水流速度,提高水体氧化还原电位与溶解氧浓度,而对水温与p H值无明显影响.可见,洞庭湖湿地木本与草本植物生活型的差异,是导致二者土壤与水环境特征差别的主要原因,与草本植物相比,木本植物具有更强的生态防护功能.     

Field validation of antioxidant enzyme biomarkers in mussels (Perna viridis) and clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) transplanted in Hong Kong coastal waters

Green-lipped mussels, Perna viridis, and Manila clams, Ruditapes philippinarum were sourced from “clean” sites in the Hong Kong region, depurated in a laboratory using uncontaminated filtered seawater for 8 days, and transplanted to a suspected gradient of chemically polluted sites in Hong Kong. After 14- and 28-days of field exposure, several antioxidant parameters including glutathione S transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione (GSH) were quantified in gill and hepatopancreas tissues. Whole body tissue concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCs) were determined in pooled site samples. Chemical analyses indicated that: (a) clams had higher levels of PAHs, PHCs, DDTs and PCBs, whereas mussels had higher hexachlorocyclohexane (HCHs) and there was no difference between species for dieldrin and remaining OCs; (b) Kat O should not be continued as a “clean” reference site for Hong Kong, because of the levels of contaminants measured and (c) PAH concentrations in the current survey were similar to those previously measured. Toxicological conclusions were: (a) antioxidant responses were different between species; (b) CAT and GST have highest utility in clams for field use in Hong Kong, whereas CAT in both gill and hepatopancreas tissue showed most potential in mussels; (c) significant induction of antioxidant responses over day 0 (excluding GPx in both tissues, and GST in mussel hepatic tissue); (d) groups of contaminants do not consistently induce antioxidant responses and (e) organochlorines and PCBs correlated significantly with CAT and GST in clam hepatopancreas and with CAT in mussel gill and hepatic tissue. Multivariate statistical techniques indicated little relationship between the site patterns for antioxidant responses and the contaminant gradients identified in body burden analysis.     

Effects of 4-nonylphenol exposure in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and crabs (Carcinus aestuarii) with particular emphasis on vitellogenin induction

Since it is often difficult to estimate possible adverse effects due to contamination in selected ecosystems, multi-species biomonitoring may provide more information, taking into account different routes of exposure, ecological roles and metabolic capabilities of animals. In this context, we exposed for 7 days the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis and the crab Carcinus aestuarii to 4-nonylphenol (NP), a well-known xenoestrogen. In mussels (0–0.2 mg NP l⁻¹), we measured NP bioaccumulation in soft tissues and vitellogenin (Vg)-like protein levels in digestive glands from both males and females by the alkali-labile phosphate assay (ALP). As no reference data were available for crab exposure, the NP 96-h LC₅₀ value was previously determined. Then, in sublethally exposed (0–1.0 mg NP l⁻¹) male crabs, NP bioaccumulation and Vg levels were measured in hemolymph, gonads and digestive gland. Bioaccumulation of NP increased from 43 to 371 μg g⁻¹ d.w. in mussels, and from 3.6 to 37 μg g⁻¹ d.w. in crabs, depending on the NP concentration in water. Dose-dependent Vg-like protein induction was observed in both species, appearing to be related to NP bioaccumulation, although a partial decrease was recorded at the highest concentration tested. A similar trend was observed in both digestive gland and gonad of exposed crabs; Vg increased to a lesser extent, although significantly, in hemolymph. Results demonstrated that NP induces Vg synthesis both in male and female mussels, as well as in male crabs. On the basis of the responsiveness of both species investigated, a multi-species approach is indicated in biomonitoring programmes.