Biomarkers of Heavy Metal Contamination in the Red

Authors: G R MacFarlane M Schreider B McLennan

Publish Date: 2006/09/18

Volume: 51, Issue: 4, Pages: 584-593

PDF Link

Abstract

Variation in glutathione antioxidant biochemistry in response to metal contamination and accumulation under field conditions was examined in the brachyurid grapsid Parasesarma erythodactyla Significant relationships suggesting accumulation were found between sediment metals and metals in crab tissue for Pb Cu Cr Zn and Se in males and Cd Pb Cr Zn As and Se in females Higher pH and lower organic content were associated with greater uptake of selected metals in males and females Higher salinity was related to increased metal uptake for Cu and Zn in males and lower salinities to increased Se uptake for males and females When examining metals which were elevated in crabs patterns of site discrimination were similar to sediment metal site discrimination for both males and females In terms of biochemical responses glutathione levels remained constant while glutathione peroxidase activity was elevated in individuals where metals were elevated Only females with the highest levels of accumulated metals exhibited increases in lipid peroxidation products Glutathione peroxidase activity may be a sensitive biomarker of metal exposure and biological effect and lipid peroxides as a secondary marker when accumulated metals are highWe wish to thank David Reid for his assistance in field sampling and laboratory analyses Mr Olivier ReyLescure for map preparation Peter Davie from the Queensland Museum for assistance with the taxonomy of P erythodactyla and NSW Fisheries and Lake Macquarie City Council’s environmental research grants programme for financial support

Keywords: