Title: Development of biomarkers to detect the effects of organic pollution on aquatic invertebrates: recent molecular, genotoxic, cellular and immunological studies on the common mussel (Mytilus edulis L.) and other mytilids

Authors: D.R. Livingstone, J.K. Chipman, D.M. Lowe, C. Minier, R.K. Pipe

Addresses: Centre for Coastal and Marine Sciences, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 2PB, UK. School of Biochemistry, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK. Centre for Coastal and Marine Sciences, Plymouth Marine Sciences, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 2PB, UK. Laboratory of Ectoxicology, University of Le Havre, 76058 Le Havre, France. Centre for Coastal and Marine Sciences, Plymouth Marine Sciences, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 2PB, UK

Abstract: Organic contaminants are continually entering aquatic environments and thence the tissues of resident biota. Mussels and other molluscs are used worldwide as sentinels in pollution monitoring. Recent years have seen the development of biological measurements (biomarkers) as tools for use in monitoring and environmental impact assessment, such biomarkers being indicative of contaminant exposure and/or impact. This paper describes established and developmental biomarkers in mussels responsive to exposure to organic contaminants, including some indicative of damage to DNA (||comet|| assay) putative induction of biotransformation enzymes (CYP1A-like protein), contaminant removal (MXR-like protein), lysosomal membrane damage and impairment of membrane function.

Keywords: biomarkers; comet assay; CYP1A; DNA damage; immune response; multidrug resistance; mussel mytilus edulis; neutral red; pollution monitoring.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2000.002311

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2000 Vol.13 No.1/2/3/4/5/6, pp.56-91

Published online: 15 Aug 2003 *

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