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Trace metal and biomarker levels in tissues ofArgopecten purpuratus in the north of Chile, and the potential use ofthis species as a bioindicator of metallic stress
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 September 2012
Abstract
The capacity to bioaccumulate trace metals present in San Jorge Bay, Antofagasta, Chile,was determined in northern scallop, Argopecten purpuratus, to examine thevalue of this important commercially species as a bioindicator of heavy metal pollution inareas where it is cultured. Scallops were sampled in summer 2009 in four sites: threenatural populations (Coloso, Historic District and La Rinconada, marine reserve), and acommercial hatchery (Colorado). The concentrations of three heavy metals (copper, cadmiumand lead) were then determined through stripping chronopotentiometric methods, and thelevels of four biomarkers: three genes implicated in the stress and oxidative metabolism,i.e., glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione s-transferase (GST) and heat shock protein70 (HSP70), and a protein marker in the digestive gland and gill, a metallothionein (MT).The Historic District, located in the downtown area of the city, showed the highest metalconcentration of all the sampled sites, as well as the highest levels of the fourbiomarkers. This can be largely attributed to the nearby international port area of thetown and high sea traffic flow, exacerbated by the prevailing winds.
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- © EDP Sciences, IFREMER, IRD 2012
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