Effects of metal accumulation on oxidative metabolism of Mytilus edulis, a commercially relevant mussel in northern Patagonia, Argentina.

Context: Bivalve fishery represents an important socio-economic resource in Río Negro province, and Mytilus platensis is the main exploited species. Thus, biomonitoring trace metals in this mussel is particularly relevant for both environmental protection and human consumption. Aim: Anthropogenic pollution and its environmental impact on mussels were experimentally evaluated in situ in two coastline sites of northern Patagonia. Methods: Trace metal concentrations were quantified in the water of a harbour area (Port of San Antonio Este) and a reference site (Isla Mejillón), an extraction location of M. platensis , were quantified. Metal accumulation and its effects on metabolic parameters were also measured in mussels. Results: Higher concentrations of chromium, nickel and zinc in water were registered in the harbour, along with copper and chromium in gills, digestive gland and mantle of M. platensis , were registered in the harbour. Furthermore, superoxide dismutase activity was augmented, whereas glutathione concentration was reduced in the digestive gland and mantle of mussels from that area. Moreover, the highest glutathione-S-transferase activities in mantle and lipid peroxidation, regardless of organ, were also found there. Conclusion: The harbour area has a negative effect on M. platensis and its effects on metal accumulation and oxidative imbalance are organ-specific. Implication: This work provided new insights into metal uptake of a commercialised mussel in a realistic environment in Río Negro province. Mussels are a healthy source of food, and beneficial for human consumption. Mytilus platensis fishery is an important socio-economic resource in Argentina. This species is also used worldwide as a bioindicator. Increase in bioaccumulation of metals in mussels from an area near harbour produced significant damage on its metabolism. Our results provided useful information on environmental concentrations of trace metals in the northern Patagonia coastline, as well as highlighting a possible human health risk owing to consumption of this commercialised species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]