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Biochemical effects in crabs (Carcinus maenas) and contamination levels in the Bizerta Lagoon: an integrated approach in biomonitoring of marine complex pollution.

Authors :
Ben-Khedher S
Jebali J
Kamel N
Banni M
Rameh M
Jrad A
Boussetta H
Source :
Environmental science and pollution research international [Environ Sci Pollut Res Int] 2013 Apr; Vol. 20 (4), pp. 2616-31. Date of Electronic Publication: 2012 Sep 14.
Publication Year :
2013

Abstract

The biochemical effects in Carcinus maenas and contamination levels in seawater and sediments of Bizerta Lagoon (northeast of Tunisia) were investigated. The levels of metals and hydrocarbons were higher in seawater and sediments in Menzel Bourguiba and Cimentery in February and July than in the other sampling sites. Differences among sites for glutathione S-transferase, catalase, acetylcholinesterase activities, and the content of lipid peroxidation and metallothioneins in two important organs which accumulated contaminants (the gills and the digestive gland) of the C. maenas were found and possibly related to differences in metal and hydrocarbon levels. The seasonal variation of biomarkers was possibly associated with chemical contamination and also with the high fluctuation of physico-chemical characteristics of the sites. The integrated biomarker response values found in the five sites is in good agreement with hydrocarbon and trace metal concentrations detected in the water and sediments of the stressful places where crabs are living.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1614-7499
Volume :
20
Issue :
4
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Environmental science and pollution research international
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
22976048
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-012-1156-x