Biomonitoring of El Mellah Lagoon (Northeast, Algeria): Seasonal Variation of Biomarkers in Cerastoderma glaucum (Mollusc, Bivalvia)

Abstract

The present study aimed to measure the seasonal activity of glutathione S-transferase (GST) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) biomarkers of oxidative stress and neurotoxicity in a mollusc species Cerastoderma glaucum Bruguiere, 1789 (Mollusca, Bivalvia). The experiment was done during one year (April 2010 to March 2011) in three sites located in El Mellah lagoon. Environmental parameters (temperature, dissolved oxygen and salinity) were also monitored. Results demonstrated that the physicchemical data put in evidence of the temporal fluctuations without station effects. C. glaucum showed differential biomarker response according to abiotic factors and of the anthropogenic pressure of pollutants that affect the lagoon. An increase in GST activities was usually observed in bivalves from the polluted sites 1 and 2 compared to the reference site 3 could be to reflects the induction of detoxification system. Moreover, a significant inhibition in AChE activities was recorded in bivalves from the polluted sites suggesting contamination by neurotoxic pollutants such as heavy metals. Overally, obtained data indicate that C. glaucum constitutes a useful tool as sentinel organism for biomonitoring of aquatic pollution.