Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Integrated assessment of water quality of the Costa da Morte (Galicia, NW Spain) by means of mussel chemical, biochemical and physiological parameters

  • Published:
Ecotoxicology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess environmental quality at some of the sites most severely affected by the Prestige oil spill off 2 years after the spillage (April and November 2004). For this purpose analyses of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and several biochemical (antioxidant enzymes catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and DT-diaphorase and lipid peroxidation) and physiological [scope for growth (SFG)] biomarkers were determined on wild mussel populations (Mytilus galloprovincialis) collected at four points along the Costa da Morte and compared with those of a reference site not affected by the oil spill. Results showed that PAH contents had markedly decreased 17 months after the accident, although they were higher in April than in November, when they showed values similar to background levels reported for this area. Nevertheless, the predominance of chrysene on PAH profiles, similarly to findings obtained immediately after the spill, indicated the Prestige as their main source. In spite of the low PAH levels recorded, antioxidant activity levels (explained through the integrated antioxidant response-IAR) were higher in the Costa da Morte than at the reference site either in April and November. In April IAR seems to be related to PAH levels found 3 months after the accident (February 2003), suggesting the persistence in the environment of oxidative stress-producing components from the spill. However, evidence of oxidative stress was not reflected at physiological level by scope for growth, with only very slight differences being observed between values from the reference site and those from Costa da Morte sites. In conclusion, although 2 years after the spill PAHs bioaccumulated by mussels from the Costa da Morte had decreased to background levels, biochemical parameters showed signals of oxidative stress in mussels from this area. However, SFG reflected a good health status for the mussel populations studied and did not reveal evidence of physiological disturbance either 17 or 24 months after the Prestige spill.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Albaigés J, Porte C, Pastor D, Biosca X, Solé M (2000) The integrated use of chemical and biochemical markers for assessing the effects of the Aegean Sea oil spill in the Galician coast (NW Spain). Water Stud 8:73–84

    Google Scholar 

  • Barata C, Lekumberri I, Vila-Escale M, Prat N, Porte C (2005) Trace metal concentration, antioxidant enzyme activities and susceptibility to oxidative stress in the tricoptera larvae Hydropsyche exocellata from the Llobregat river basin (NE Spain). Aquat Toxicol 74:3–19

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Baumard P, Budzinski H, Garrigues P, Sorbe JC, Burgeot T, Bellocq J (1998) Concentrations of PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) in various marine organisms in relation to those in sediments and to trophic level. Mar Poll Bull 36:951–960

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Baumard P, Budzinski H, Garrigues P, Burgeot T, Michel X, Bellocq J (1999) Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) burden of mussels (Mytilus sp.) in different marine environments in relation with sediment PAH contamination, and bioavailability. Mar Environ Res 47:415–439

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bayne BL, Newell RC (1983) Physiological energetics of marine molluscs. In: Salendin ASM, Kilbur KM (eds) The Mollusca, vol 4, pp 407–515

  • Bayne BL, Addison RF, Capuzzo JM, Clarke KL, Gray JS, Moore M, Warwick RM (1988) An overview of the GEEP workshop. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 46:235–243

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beliaeff B, Burgeot T (2002) Integrated biomarker response: a useful tool for ecological risk assessment. Environ Tox Chem 21:1316–1322

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Benson AM, Hunkeler MJ, Talalay P (1980) Increase of NAD(P)H:quinone reductase by dietary antioxidants: possible role in protection against carcenogenesis and toxicity. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 77:5216–5220

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bocchetti R, Regoli F (2006) Seasonal variability of oxidative biomarkers, lysosomal parameters, metallothioneins and peroxisomal enzymes in the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis from Adriatic Sea. Chemosphere 65:913–921

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bocquene G, Chantereau S, Clerendeau C, Beausir E, Menard D, Raffin B, Minier C, Burgeot T, Leszkowicz AP, Narbonne JF (2004) Biological effects of the “Erika” oil spill on the common mussel (Mytilus edulis). Aquat Living Resour 17:309–316

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Box A, Sureda A, Galgani F, Pons A, Deudero S (2007) Assessment of environmental pollution at Balearic Islands applying oxidative stress biomarkers in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Comp Biochem Phys C 146:531–539

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Buege JA, Aust SD (1978) Microsomal lipid peroxidation. In: Fleischer S, Packer L (eds) Methods in enzymology, vol 52. Academic Press, New York, pp 302–310

    Google Scholar 

  • Cadenas E (1995) Antioxidant and prooxidant functions of DT-diaphorase in quinone metabolism. Biochem Pharmacol 49:140

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cajaraville MP, Uranga JA, Angulo E (1992) Comparative effects of the water accommodated fraction of three oils on mussels. Quantitative histochemistry of enzymes related to the detoxication metabolism. Comp Biochem Phys 103C:369–377

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cajaraville MP, Bebianno MJ, Blasco J, Porte C, Sarasquete C, Viarengo A (2000) The use of biomarkers to assess the impact of pollution in coastal environments of the Iberian Peninsula: a practical approach. Sci Total Environ 247:295–311

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cajaraville MP, Garmendia L, Orbea A, Werding R, Gómez-Mendikute A, Izagirre U, Soto M, Marigómez I (2006) Signs of recovery of mussels health two years after the Prestige oil spill. Mar Environ Res 62:S337–S341

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Carls MG, Babcock MM, Harris PM, Irvine GV, Cusick JA, Rice SD (2001) Persistence of oiling in mussel beds after the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Mar Environ Res 51:167–190

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Carro N, Cobas J, Maneiro J (2006) Distribution of aliphatic compounds in bivalve mollusks from Galicia after the Prestige oil spill: Spatial and temporal trends. Environ Res 100(3):339–348

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cheung CCC, Zheng GJ, Li AMY, Richardson BJ, Lam PKS (2001) Relationships between tissue concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and antioxidative responses of marine mussels, Perna viridis. Aquat Toxicol 52:189–203

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cheung CCC, Zheng GJ, Lam PKS, Richardson BJ (2002) Relationships between tissue concentrations of chlorinated hydrocarbons (polychlorinated biphenyls and chlorinated pesticides) and antioxidative responses of marine mussels, Perna viridis. Mar Poll Bull 45:181–191

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cheung CCC, Siu WHL, Richardson B, Luca-Abbott SB, Lam PKS (2004) Antioxidant responses to benzo[a]pyrene and Aroclor 1254 exposure in the green-lipped mussel, Perna viridis. Environ Pollut 128:393–403

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Claiborne A (1985) Catalase activity. In: Greenwald RA (ed) Handbook of methods for oxygen. Radical research. CRC Press, Boca Raton, pp 283–284

    Google Scholar 

  • Conover RJ (1966) Assimilation of organic matter by zooplankton. Limnol Oceanogr 11:338–345

    Google Scholar 

  • Cossu C, Doyotte A, Jacquin MC, Babut M, Exinger A, Vasseur P (1997) Glutathione reductase, selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase, glutathione levels, and lipid peroxidation in freshwater bivalves, Unio tumidus, as biomarkers of aquatic contamination in field studies. Ecotox Environ Safe 28:122–131

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cotou E, Papathanassiou E, Tsangaris C (2002) Assessing the quality of marine coastal environments: comparison of scope for growth and Microtox super (registered) bioassay results of pollution gradient areas in Eastern Mediterranean (Greece). Environ Pollut 119:141–149

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Crowe TP, Smith EL, Donkin P, Barnaby DL, Rowland SJ (2004) Measurements of sublethal effects on individual organisms indicate community-level impacts of pollution. J Appl Ecol 41:114–123

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Da Ros L, Nasci C, Marigómez I, Soto M (2000) Biomarkers and trace metals in the digestive gland of indigenous and transplanted mussels, Mytilus galloprovincialis, in Venice Lagoon, Italy. Mar Environ Res 50:417–423

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dafre AL, Medeiros ID, Muller C, Ventura EC, Dias Bainy AC (2004) Antioxidant enzymes and thiol/disulfide status in the digestive gland of the brown mussel Perna perna exposed to lead and paraquat. Chem-Bio Interact 149:97–105

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dagnino A, Allen JI, Moore MN, Broeg K, Canesi L, Viarengo A (2007) Development of an expert system for the integration of biomarker responses in mussels into an animal health index. Biomarkers 12:155–172

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Devier MH, Augagneur S, Budzinski H, Le Menach K, Mora P, Narbonne JF, Garrigues P (2005) One-year monitoring survey of organic compounds (PAHs, PCBs, TBT), heavy metals and biomarkers in blue mussels from the Arcachon Bay, France. J Environ Monitor 7:224–240

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Donkin P, Widdows J, Evans SV, Worall CM, Carr M (1989) Quantitative structure-activity relationships for the effect of hydrophobic organic chemicals on rate of feeding by mussels (Mytilus edulis). Aquat Toxicol 14:277–294

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Doyotte A, Cossu C, Jacquin MC, Babut M, Vasseur P (1997) Antioxidant enzymes, glutathione and lipid peroxidation as relevant biomarkers of experimental or field exposure in the gills and the digestive gland of the freshwater bivalve Unio tumidus. Aquat Toxicol 39:93–110

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Eertman RHM, Groenink CLF, Sandee B, Hummel H, Smaal C (1995) Response of the blue mussel Mytilus edulis L. following exposure to PAHs or contaminated sediment. Mar Environ Res 39:169–173

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ferreira AM, Micaelo C, Vale C (2003) Are coastal resources of NW Portugal fingerprinting hydrocarbons released from the Prestige accident. Cienc Mar 29:109–114

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Filho W, Tribess T, Gaspari C, Claudio FD, Torres MA, Magalhaes ARM (2001) Seasonal changes in antioxidant defenses of the digestive gland of the brown mussel (Perna perna). Aquaculture 203:149–158

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Franco MA, Viñas L, Soriano JA, De Armas D, González JJ, Beiras R, Salas N, Bayona JM, Albaigés J (2006) Spatial distribution and ecotoxicity of petroleum hydrocarbons in sediments from the Galicia continental shelf (NW Spain) after the Prestige oil spill. Mar Poll Bull 53:260–271

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gardner JPA (2000) Where are the mussels on Cook Strait (New Zealand) shores? Low seston quality as a possible factor limiting multi-species distributions? Mar Ecol Prog Ser 194:123–132

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • González JJ, Viñas L, Franco MA, Fumega J, Soriano JA, Grueiro G, Muniategui S, López-Mahia P, Prada D, Bayona JM, Alzaga R, Albaigés J (2006) Spatial and temporal distribution of dissolved/dispersed aromatic hydrocarbons in seawater in the area affected by the Prestige oil spill. Mar Poll Bull 53:250–259

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Granby K, Spliid NH (1995) Hydrocarbons and organochlorines in common mussels from the Kattegat and the Belts and their relation to condition indexes. Mar Poll Bull 30:74–82

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Halldörsson HP, Svavarsson J, Granmo A (2005) The effect of pollution on scope for growth of the mussel (Mytilus edulis L.) in Iceland. Mar Environ Res 59:47–64

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hawkins AJS, Bayne BL (1984) Seasonal variation in the balance between physiological mechanisms of feeding and digestion in Mytilus edulis (Bivalvia: Mollusca). Mar Biol 82:233–240

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Honkoop PJC, Bayne BL, Underwood AJ, Svensson S (2003) Appropriate experimental design for transplanting mussels (Mytilus sp.) in analyses of environmental stress: an example in Sydney Harbour (Australia). J Exp Mar Biol Ecol 297:253–268

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kraak MHS, Ainscough C, Fernandez A, Van Vlaardingen PLA, De Voogt P, Admiraal WA (1997) Short-term and chronic exposure of the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) to acridine: effects and metabolism. Aquat Toxicol 37:9–20

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lam PKS, Gray JS (2003) The use of biomarkers in environmental monitoring programmes. Mar Poll Bull 46:182–186

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lau PS, Wong HL, Garrigues P (2004) Seasonal variation in antioxidative responses and acetylcholinesterase activity in Perna viridis in eastern oceanic and western estuarine waters of Hong Kong. Cont Shelf Res 24:1969–1987

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lemaire P, Livingstone DR (1993) Pro-oxidant/antioxidant processes and organic xenobiotics interactions in marine organisms, in particular the flounder Platlchthys flesus and the mussel Mytilus edulis. Trends Comp Biochem Physiol 1:1119–1150

    Google Scholar 

  • Lionetto MG, Caricato R, Giordano ME, Pascariello MF, Marinosci L, Schettino T (2003) Integrated use of biomarkers (acetylcholinesterase and antioxidant enzymes activities) in Mytilus galloprovincialis and Mullus barbatus in an Italian coastal marine area. Mar Poll Bull 46:324–330

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Livingstone DR, Garcia Martinez P, Michel X, Narbonne JF, O’Hara S, Ribera D, Winston G (1990) Oxyradical production as pollution-mediated mechanism of toxicity in the common mussel, Mytilus edulis L., and other olluscs. Funct Ecol 4:415–424

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Livingstone DR, Lips F, Garcia MP, Pipe RK (1992) Antioxidant enzymes in the digestive gland of the common mussel Mytilus edulis. Mar Biol 112:265–276

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lowry OH, Rosenbrough NJ, Farr AL, Randall RJ (1951) Protein measurement with the folin phenol reagent. J Biol Chem 193:265–275

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Luca-Abbott SB, Richardson BJ, McClellan KE, Zheng GJ, Martin M, Lam PKS (2005) Field validation of antioxidant enzyme biomarkers in mussels (Perna viridis) and clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) transplanted in Hong Kong coastal waters. Mar Poll Bull 51:694–707

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Manduzio H, Monsinjon T, Galap C, Leboulenger F, Rocher W (2004) Seasonal variations in antioxidant defences in blue mussels Mytilus edulis collected from a polluted area: major contributions in gills of an inducible isoform of Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase and of glutathione S-transferase. Aquat Toxicol 70:83–93

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Manduzio H, Rocher B, Durand F, Galap C, Leboulenger F (2005) The point about oxidative stress in molluscs. Invertebr Surv J 2:91–104

    Google Scholar 

  • Marigómez I, Soto M, Cancio I, Orbea A, Garmendia L, Cajaraville MP (2006) Cell and tissue biomarkers in mussel, and histopathology in hake and anchovy from Bay of Biscay after the Prestige oil spill (Monitoring Campaign 2003). Mar Poll Bull 53:287–304

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Martínez-Gómez C, Campillo J, Benedicto J, Fernández B, Valdés J, García I, Sánchez F (2006) Monitoring biomarkers in fish (Lepidorhombus boscii and Callionymus lyra) from the northern Iberian shelf after the Prestige oil spill. Mar Poll Bull 53:305–314

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Martínez-Gómez C, Fernández B, Valdés J, Campillo JA, Benedicto J, Sánchez F, Vethaak AD (2009) Evaluation of three-year monitoring with biomarkers in fish following the Prestige oil spill (N Spain). Chemosphere 74:613–620

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McCord JM, Fridovich I (1969) Superoxide dismutase: an enzymatic function for erythrocuprein (hemocuprein). J Biol Chem 244:6049–6055

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nesto N, Bertoldo M, Nasci C, Da Ros L (2004) Spatial and temporal variation of biomarkers in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from the Lagoon of Venice, Italy. Mar Environ Res 58:287–291

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nieto O, Aboigor J, Buján R, N’Diaye M, Graña J, Saco-Àlvarez L, Franco A, Soriano JA, Beiras R (2006) Temporal variation in the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) off the Galician Coast after the ‘Prestige’ oil spill. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 328:41–49

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Orbea A, Cajaraville MP (2006) Peroxisome proliferation and antioxidant enzymes in transplanted mussels of four Basque Estuaries with different levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and polychlorinated biphenyl pollution. Environ Toxicol Chem 25:1616–1626

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Orbea A, Ortiz-Zarragoitia M, Sole M, Porte C, Cajaraville MP (2002) Antioxidant enzymes and peroxisome proliferation in relation to contaminant body burdens of PAHs and PCBs in bivalve molluscs, crabs and fish from the Urdaibai and Plentzia estuaries (Bay of Biscay). Aquat Toxicol 58:75–98

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Orbea A, Garmendia L, Marigómez I, Cajaraville MP (2006) Effects of the ‘Prestige’ oil spill on cellular biomarkers in intertidal mussels: results of the first year of studies. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 306:177–189

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Osman AM, Rotteveel S, Den Besten PJ, van Noort PCM (2004) In vivo exposure of Dreissena polymorpha mussels to the quinones menadione and lawsone: Menadione is more toxic to mussels than lawsone. J Appl Toxicol 24:135–141

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pampanin DM, Camus L, Gomiero A, Marangon I, Volpato E, Nasci C (2005) Susceptibility to oxidative stress of mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) in the Venice Lagoon (Italy). Mar Poll Bull 50:1548–1557

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Petrovic S, Semencic L, Ozretic B, Ozretic M (2004) Seasonal variations of physiological and cellular biomarkers and their use in the biomonitoring of north Adriatic coastal waters (Croatia). Mar Poll Bull 49:713–720

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Porte C, Solé M, Albaigés J, Livingstone DR (1991) Responses of mixed-function oxygenase and antioxidase enzyme system of Mytilus sp. to organic pollution. Comp Biochem Physiol Part C 100:183–186

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Porte C, Biosca X, Sole M, Albaiges J (2000a) The Aegean Sea oil spill in the Galicia coast (NW Spain). III. The assessment of long term sublethal effects on mussels. Biomarkers 5:436–446

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Porte C, Biosca X, Pastor D, Sole M, Albaigés J (2000b) The Aegean Sea oil spill. 2. Temporal study of the hydrocarbons accumulation in bivalves. Environ Sci Technol 34:5067–5075

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Porte C, Biosca X, Sole M, Albaiges J (2001a) The integrated use of chemical analysis, cytochrome P450 and stress proteins in mussels to assess pollution along the Galician coast (NW Spain). Environ Pollut 112:261–268

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Porte C, Solé M, Borghi V, Martínez M, Chamorro M, Torreblanca A, Ortíz M, Orbea A, Soto M, Cajaraville MP (2001b) Chemical, biochemical and cellular responses in the digestive gland of the mussel Mytillus galloprovincialis from the Spanish Mediterranean coast. Biomarkers 6:335–350

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Power P, Sheehan D (1996) Seasonal variation in the antioxidant defence system of gill and digestive gland of the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis. Comp Biochem Phys 114C:99–103

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • QUASIMEME II (2003) QUASIMEME laboratory performance studies. Round 34. BT-4 Exercise 588. Polyaromatic hydrocarbons in biota

  • QUASIMEME II (2004) QUASIMEME laboratory performance studies. Round 36. BT-4. Exercise 619. Polyaromatic hydrocarbons in biota

  • Ramos-Martínez JI, Rodriguez-Bartolomé T, Vazquez-Pernas R (1983) Purification and properties of glutathione reductase from hepatopancreas of Mytilus edulis L. Comp Biochem Phys B 75:689–692

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Regoli F (1998) Trace metals and antioxidant enzymes in gills and digestive gland of the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Arch Environ Con Tox 34:48–63

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Regoli F, Principato G (1995) Glutathione, glutathione-dependent and antioxidant enzymes in mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis, exposed to metals under field and laboratory conditions: implications for the use of biochemical biomarkers. Aquat Toxicol 31:143–164

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Richardson BJ, Mak E, Luca-Abbott SB, Martin M, McClellan K, Lam PKS (2008) Antioxidant responses to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and organochlorine pesticides in green-lipped mussels (Perna viridis): do mussels “integrate” biomarker responses? Mar Poll Bull 57:503–514

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Romeo M, Hoarau P, Garello G, Gnassia-Barelli M, Girard JP (2003) Mussel transplantation and biomarkers as useful tools for assessing water quality in the NW Mediterranean. Environ Pollut 122:369–378

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sheehan D, Power A (1999) Effects of seasonality on xenobiotic and antioxidant defence mechanisms of bivalve molluscs. Comp Biochem Phys C 123:193–199

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Solé M, Porte C, Albaigés J (1994) Mixed-function oxygenase system components and antioxidant enzymes in different marine bivalves: its relation with contaminant body burdens. Aquat Toxicol 30:271–283

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Solé M, Porte C, Albaigés J (1995) The use of biomarkers for assessing the effects of organic pollution in mussels. Sci Total Environ 159:147–153

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Solé M, Porte C, Biosca X, Mitchelmore CL, Chipman JK, Livingstone DR, Albaigés J (1996) Effects of the Aegean Sea oil spill on biotransformation enzymes, oxidative stress and DNA-adducts in digestive gland of the mussel (Mytilus edulis L.). Comp Biochem Phys C 113:257–265

    Google Scholar 

  • Solorzano L (1969) Determination of ammonia in natural waters by the phenolhypochlorite method. Limnol Oceanogr 14:799–801

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Soriano JA, Viñas L, Franco MA, González JJ, Ortiz L, Bayona JM, Albaigés J (2006) Spatial and temporal trends of petroleum hydrocarbons in wild mussels from the Galician coast (NW Spain) affected by the Prestige oil spill. Sci Total Environ 370:80–90

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stegeman JJ, Brouwer M, Richard TDG, Förlin L, Fowler BA, Sanders BM, van Veld PA (1992) Molecular responses to environmental contamination: enzyme and protein systems as indicators of chemical exposure and effect. In: Huggett RJ, Kimerly RA, Mehrle PM, Bergman HL (eds) Biomarkers: biochemical, physiological and histological markers of anthropogenic stress. Lewis Publishers, Chelsea, pp 235–335

    Google Scholar 

  • Toro B, Navarro JM, Palma-Fleming H (2003a) Use of clearance rate in Choromytilus chorus (Bivalvia : Mytilidae) as a non-destructive biomarker of aquatic pollution. Rev Chil Hist Nat 76:267–274

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Toro B, Navarro JM, Palma-Fleming H (2003b) Relationship between bioenergetics responses and organic pollutants in the giant mussel, Choromytilus chorus (Mollusca : Mytilidae). Aquat Toxicol 63:257–269

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Torres MA, Testa CP, Gaspari C, Masutti MB, Panitz CMN, Curi-Pedrosa R, de Almeida EA, Di Mascio P, Wilhelm D (2002) Oxidative stress in the mussel Mytella guyanensis from polluted mangroves on Santa Catarina Island, Brazil. Mar Poll Bull 44:923–932

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tronczynski J, Munschy C, Héas-Moisan K, Guiot N, Truquet I, Olivier N, Men S, Furaut A (2004) Contamination of the Bay of Biscay by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) following the T/V “Erika” oil spill. Aquat Living Resour 17:243–259

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tsangaris C, Papathanasiou E, Cotou E (2007) Assessment of the impact of heavy metal pollution from a ferro-nickel smelting plant using biomarkers. Ecotoxicol Environ Safe 66:232–243

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Verlecar XN, Jena KB, Chainy GBN (2008) Seasonal variation of oxidative biomarkers in gills and digestive gland of green-lipped mussel Perna viridis from Arabian Sea. Estuar Coast Shelf S 76:745–752

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Viarengo A, Canesi L, Pertica M, Poli G, Moore MN, Orunesu M (1990) Heavy metal effects on lipid peroxidation in the tissues of Mytilus galloprovincialis Lam. Comp Biochem Phys C 97:37–42

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Viarengo A, Canesi L, Pertica M, Livingstone DR (1991) Seasonal variations in the antioxidant defence systems and lipid peroxidation of the digestive gland of mussels. Comp Biochem Phys C 100:187–190

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Viñas L (2002) Evaluación de hidrocarburos aromáticos policíclicos (HAPs) por cromatografía líquida de alta eficacia (CLAE) en el entorno marino gallego. Doctoral Thesis. Universidad de Vigo

  • Viñas L, Franco MA, Soriano JA, González JJ, Ortíz L, Bayona JM, Albaigés J (2009) Accumulation trends of petroleum hydrocarbons in commercial shellfish from the Galician coast (NW Spain) affected by the Prestige oil spill. Chemosphere 75:534–541

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Widdows J, Donkin P (1992) Mussels and environmental contaminants: bioaccumulation and physiological aspects. In: Gosling E (ed) The mussel Mytilus: Ecology, physiology, genetics and culture. Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp 383–424

    Google Scholar 

  • Widdows J, Johnson D (1988) Physiological energetics of Mytilus edulis: scope for growth. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 46:113–121

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Widdows J, Staff F (2006) Biological effects of contaminants: Measurement of scope for growth in mussels. ICES Tech Mar Environ Sci no. 40, pp 30

  • Widdows J, Bakke T, Bayne BL, Donkin P, Livingston DR, Lowe DM, Moore MN, Evans SV, Moore SL (1982) Responses of Mytilus edulis on exposure to the water-accommodated fraction of North Sea Oil. Mar Biol 67:15–31

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Widdows J, Donkin P, Brinsley MD, Evans SV, Salkeld PN, Franklin A, Law RJ, Waldock MJ (1995) Scope for growth and contaminant levels in North Sea mussels Mytilus edulis. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 127:131–148

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Widdows J, Nasci C, Fossato VU (1997) Effects of pollution on the scope for growth of mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from the Venice Lagoon, Italy. Mar Environ Res 43:69–79

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Widdows J, Donkin P, Staff FJ, Matthiessen P, Law RJ, Allen YT, Thain JE, Allchin CR, Jones BR (2002) Measurement of stress effects (scope for growth) and contaminant levels in mussels (Mytilus edulis) collected from the Irish Sea. Mar Environ Res 53:327–356

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Winston GW, Di Giulio RT (1991) Prooxidant and antioxidant mechanisms in aquatic organisms. Aquat Toxicol 19:137–161

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yan T, Teo LH, Sin YM (1997) Effects of mercury and lead on tissue glutathione of the green mussel, Perna viridis L. B Environ Contam Tox 58:845–850

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to Jessica Bargiela for her technical assistance in the evaluation of PAHs, to Rocío García Muñoz for her help in the physiological determinations and to Bruno Cambeiro and Cristóbal Navarro for collaborating in the gathering of biological material. This study has been funded by the Strategic Action on R&D activities against accidental marine spills, within the framework of the Plan Nacional de I + D+I 2000-2003 (Ref. VEM2003-20068-CO5-03).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, Instituto Español de Oceanografía, IEO, Varadero 1, 30740, San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia, Spain

    Beatriz Fernández, Marina Albentosa & Juan A. Campillo

  2. Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Instituto Español de Oceanografía, IEO, Cabo Estai-Canido, 36200, Vigo, Spain

    Lucía Viñas, Angeles Franco & Juan J. González

Authors
  1. Beatriz Fernández
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Marina Albentosa
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Lucía Viñas
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Angeles Franco
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Juan J. González
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Juan A. Campillo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Marina Albentosa.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Fernández, B., Albentosa, M., Viñas, L. et al. Integrated assessment of water quality of the Costa da Morte (Galicia, NW Spain) by means of mussel chemical, biochemical and physiological parameters. Ecotoxicology 19, 735–750 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10646-009-0450-y

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10646-009-0450-y

Keywords

Search

Navigation