Skip to main content
Log in

Using DNA damage to monitor water environment

  • Biology
  • Published:
Chinese Journal of Oceanology and Limnology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

DNA damage of aquatic organisms living in polluted environments can be used as a biomarker of the genotoxicity of toxic agents to organisms. This technique has been playing an important role in ecotoxicological study and environmental risk assessment. In this article, main types of DNA damage caused by pollutants in water environments were reviewed; methods of detecting DNA damage were also documented for water environmental monitoring.

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

Access this article

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

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Akcha, F., C. Izuel, P. Venier, H. Budzinski, T. Burgeot and J-F. Narbonne, 2000. Enzymatic biomarker measurement and study of DNA adduct formation in benzo[a]pyrene-contaminated musselsMytilus galloprovincialis.Aquatic Toxicology 49(4): 269–287.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Akcha, F., F. V. Hubert and A. Pfhol-Leszkowicz, 2003. Potential value of the comet assay and DNA adduct measurement in dab (Limanda limanda) for assessment of in situ exposure to genotoxic compounds.Mutation Research 534(1–2): 21–32.

    Google Scholar 

  • Aoyama, K., K. Iwahori and N. Miyata, 2003. Application of Euglena gracilis cells to comet assay: evaluation of DNA damage and repair.Mutation Research 538(1–2): 155–162.

    Google Scholar 

  • Argelia, C. and B. Concepción, 2004. In vitro assessment of DNA damage after short- and long-term exposure to benzo(a)pyrene using RAPD and the RTG-2 fish cell line.Mutation Research/Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis 552(1–2): 141–151.

    Google Scholar 

  • Atienzar, A. F., M. Conradi, A. J. Evenden, A. N. Jha and M. H. Depledge, 1999. Qualitative assessment of genotoxicity using random amplified polymorphic DNA: comparison of genomic template stability with key fitness parameters inDaphnia magna exposed to benzo[a]pyrene.Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 18: 2275–2282.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Atienzar, A. F., B. Cordi, M. E. Donkin, A. J. Evenden, A. N. Jha and M. H. Depledge, 2000. Comparison of ultraviolet-induced genotoxicity detected by random amplified polymorphic DNA with chlorophyll fluorescence and growth in a marine macroalgae,Palmaria palmate.Aquatic Toxicology 50(1–2): 1–12.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Atienzar, A. F. and A. N. Jha, 2004. The random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assay to determine DNA alterations, repair and transgenerational effects in B(a)P exposedDaphnia magna.Mutation Research/ Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis 552(1–2): 125–140.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Atienzar, A. F., Z. Billinghurst and M. H. Depledge, 2002. 4-n-Nonylphenol and 17-β estradiol may induce common DNA effects in developing barnacle larvae.Environmental Pollution 120(3): 735–738.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Batel, R., M. Vukmirovic and N. Bihari, 1993. Nonradiometric detection of DNA crosslinks in mussel hemolymmph by alkaline elution.Analyticol Biochemistry 202: 402–406.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Békaert, C., V. Ferrier, J. Marty, A. Pfohl-Leszkowicz, A. Bispo, M. J. Jourdain, M. Jauzein, L. Lambolez-Michel and H. Billard, 2002. Evaluation of toxic and genotoxic potential of stabilized industrial waste and contaminated soils.Waste Management 22(2): 241–247.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bihari, N., R. Batel and R. K. Zohn, 1992. Fractionation of DNA from marine invertebrate (Majacrispata, Mytilus galloprovincialis) hemolymph by alkaline elution.Comp. Biochem. Physiol. B 102(2): 419–24.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bihari, N. and Fafandel M., 2004. Interspecies differences in DNA single strand breaks caused by benzo(a)pyrene and marine environment.Mutation Research/ Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis 552(1–2): 209–217.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bolognesi, C., R. Rabboni and P. Roggieri, 1996. Genotoxicity biomarkers inM. Galloprovincialis as indicators of marine pollutants.Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 113(2): 319–323.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brunetti, R., F. Majone, I. Gola and C. Beltrame, 1988. The micronucleus test:example of application to marine ecology.Mar. Ecol. Ser. 44: 65–68.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burgeot, T., E. His and F. Galgani, 1995. The micronucleus assay inCrassostrea gigas for the detection of seawater genotoxicity.Mutation Research 342(3–4): 125–140.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buschini, A., P. Carboni, A. Martino, P. Poli and C. Rossi, 2003. Effects of temperature on baseline and genotoxicant-induced DNA damage in haemocytes ofDreissena polymorpha.Mutation Research 537(1): 81–92.

    Google Scholar 

  • Canova, S., P. Degan, L. D. Peters, D. R. Livingstone, R. Voltan and P. Venier, 1998. Tissue dose, DNA adducts, oxidative DNA damage and CYPA-immunopositive proteins in mussels exposed to waterbome benzo[a]pyrene.Mutation Research 399(1): 17–30.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coughlan, B. M., M. G. J. Hartl, S. J. O'Reilly, D. Sheehan, C. Morthersill, F. N. A. M. van Pelt, J. O'Halloran and N. M. O'Brien, 2002. Detecting genotoxicity using the Comet assay following chronic exposure of Manila clamTapes semidecussatus to polluted estuarine sediments.Marine Pollution Bulletin 44(12): 1359–1365.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Devaux, A., P. Flammarion, V. Bernardon, J. Garric and G. Monod, 1998. Monitoring of the chemical pollution of the River Rhone through measurement of DNA damage and cytochrome P4501 A induction in Chub (Leuciscus cephalus).Marine Environmental Research 46(1–5): 257–262.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Everaarts, J. M., 1997. DNA integrity inAsterias rubens: a biomarker reflecting the pollution of the North Sea?Journal of Sea Research 37(1–2): 123–129.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Everaarts, J. M. and A. Sarkar, 1996. DNA damage as a biomarker of marine pollution: strand breaks in seastars (Asterias rubens) from the North Sea.Wat. Sci. Tech. 34(7–8): 157–162.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Festa, F., M. Cristaldi, L. A. Ieradi, S. Moreno and R. Cozzi, 2003. The Comet assay for the detection of DNA damage inMus spretus from Donana National Park.Environmental Research 91(1): 54–61.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ferrero, M., A. Castaño, A. Gonzalez, F. Sanz and C. Becerril, 1998. Characterization of RTG-2 cell line by random amplified polymorphic DNA.Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 40(1–2): 56–64.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gaspari, L., S. S. Chang, R. M. Santella, S. Garte, P. Pedotti and E. Taioli, 2003. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons-DNA adducts in human sperm as a marker of DNA damage and infertility.Mutation Research 535(2): 155–160.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hagger, A. J., A. S. Fisher, S. J. Hill, M. H. Depledge and A. N. Jha, 2002. Genotoxic, cytotoxic and ontogenetic effects of tri-n-butyltin on the marine worm,Platynereis dumerilii (Polychaeta: Nereidae).Aquatic Toxicology 57(4): 243–255.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harvey, S. J., B.P. Lyons, M. Waldock and J.M. Parry, 1997. The application of the P32-postlabelling assay to aquatic biomonitoring.Mutation Research 378(1–2): 77–88.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jha, A. N., V. V. Cheung, M. E. Foulkes, S. J. Hill and M. H. Depledge, 2000. Detection of genotoxins in the marine environment: adoption and evaluation of an integrated approach using the embryo-larval stages of the marine mussel,Mytilus edulis.Mutation Research 464: 213–228.

    Google Scholar 

  • Klobucar, I. V. G., M. Pavlica, R. Erben and D. Papes, 2003. Application of the micronucleus and comet assays to musselDreissena polymorpha haemocytes for genotoxicity monitoring of freshwater environments.Aquatic Toxicology 64(1): 15–23.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Labieniec, M., T. Gabryelak and G. Falcioni, 2003. Antioxidant and pro-oxidant effects of tannins in digestive cells of the freshwater musselUnio tumidus.Mutation Research 539(1–2):19–28.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee, F. R., 2003. Photo-oxidation and Photo-toxicity of crude and refined oils.Spill Science & Technology Bulletin 8(2): 157–162.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moller, P. and H. Wallin, 2000. Genotoxic hazards of azo pigments and other colorants related to 1-phenylazo-2-hydroxynaphthalene.Mutation Research 462(1): 13–20.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Micic, M., N. Bilari, Z. Labura, W. E. G. Muller and R. Batel, 2001. Induction of apoptosis in the blue musselMytilus galloprovincialis by tri-n-butyltin chloride.Aquatic Toxicology 55(1–2): 61–73.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mithelmore, C. L., C. Birmelin, D. R. Livingstone and J. K. Chipman, 1998. Detection of DNA strand breaks in Isolated Mussel (Mytilus edulus L) digestive gland cells using the “Cornet assay”.Ecotoxicology & Environmental Safety 41(1): 51–58.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mithelmore, C. L. and J. K. Chipman, 1998. DNA strand breakage in acquatic organisms and the potential value of the comet assay in environmental monitoring.Mutation Research 399: 135–147.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nacci, E. D., S. Cayula and E. Jackim, 1996. Detection of DNA damage in individual cells from marine organisms using the single cell gel assay.Aquatic Toxicology 35(3–4): 197–210.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ostling, O. and K. J. Jahabson, 1984. Microelectrophoretic study of radiation induced DNA damage in individual mammalian cells.Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 123(1): 291.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pandrangi, R., M. Petras, S. Ralph and M. Vrzoc, 1995. Alkaline single cell (comet) assay and genotoxicity monitoring using bullheads and crap.Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 26(4): 345–356.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pasantes, J. J., J. M. Martínez-Expósito, A. Torreiro and J. Méndez, 1996. The sisiter chromatid exchange test as an indicator of marine pollution: some factors affecting, SCE frequencies inMytilus gallopricincialis.Marine Ecology-Progress Series 143(1–3): 113–119.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ress, B. N., K. C. Donnelly and S. E. George, 2002. The effect of pentachlorophenol on DNA adduct formation in p53 wild-type and knockout mice exposed to benzo[a]pyrene.Cancer Letters 178(1): 11–17.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schanke, A., J. P. Boon, Y. Aardoom, A. Leest, F. J. Schooten, L. Maas, M. Berg and J. M. Everaarts, 2000. Effect of a dioxin-like PCB (CB 126) on the biotransformation and genotoxicity of benzo[a]pyrene in the marine flatfish dab (Limanda limanda).Aquatic Toxicology 50(4): 403–415.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shaw, G., D. Connell and W. Barron, 1995. The use of in vitro DNA adduct formation to estimate the genotoxicity of residues at contaminated sites.Chemosphere 30(10): 1 957–1 968.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Singh, P. N., T. M. Mccoy, R. R. Tice and L. E. Schneider, 1988. A simple technique for quantitation of low levels of DNA damage in individual cells.Exp. Cell Res. 175(1): 184–191.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Siu, W. H. L., C. L. H. Hung, H. L. Wong, B. J. Richardson and P. K. S. Lam, 2003. Exposure and time dependent DNA strand breakage in hepatopancreas of green-lipped mussels (Perna viridis) exposed to Aroclor 1254, and mixtures of B[a]P and Aroclor 1254.Marine Pollution Bulletin 46(10): 1 285–1 293.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Siu, W. H. L., J. Cao, R. W. Jack, R. S. S. Wu, B. J. Richardson, L. Xu and P. K. S. Lam, 2004. Application of the comet and micronucleus assay to the detection of B[a]P genotoxicity in haemocytes of the green-lipped mussel (Perna viridis).Aquatic Toxicology 66(4): 381–392.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Steinert, S.A., R. Streib-Montee, J. M. Leather and D. B. Chadwick, 1998. DNA damage in mussel at sites in San Diego bay.Mutat. Res. 399: 65–85.

    Google Scholar 

  • Telli-karakoc, F., P. J. Ruddock, D. J. Bird, A. Hewer, A. Schanke, D. H. Phillips and L. D. Peters, 2002. Correlative changes in metabolism and DNA damage in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) exposed to benzo[a]pyrene.Marine Environmental Research 54(3–5): 511–515.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Topinka, J., L. R. Schwarz, F. Wiebel, M. Cerna and T. Wolff, 2000. Genotoxicity of urban air pollutants in theCzech Republic. Part II. DNA adduct formation in mammalian cells by extractable organic matter.Mutation Research 469(1): 83–93.

    Google Scholar 

  • Topinka, J., L. R. Schwarz, F. Kiefer, F. J. Wiebel, O. Gajdos, P. Vidova, L. Dobias, M. Fried, R. J. Sram and T. Wolff, 1998. DNA adduct formation in mammalian cell cultures by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and nitro-PAH in coke oven emission extract.Mutation Research 419(1–3): 91–105.

    Google Scholar 

  • Venier, P., S. Maron and S. Canova, 1997. Detection of micronuclei in gill cells and haemocytes of mussels exposed to benzo[a]pyrene.Mutation Research 390(1–2): 33–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Viganò, L., A. Camoirano, A. Izzotti, F. D'Agostini, S. Polesello, C. Francisci and S. D. Flora, 2002. Mutagenicity of sediments along the Po River and genotoxicity biomarkers in fish from polluted areas.Mutation Research 515(1–2): 125–134.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vukmirovic, M., N. Bihari and K. Rudolf, 1994. DNA damage in marine mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) as a biomarker of environmental contamination.Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 109: 165–171.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, S. H., H. S. Hong, W. Y. Zheng, L. Xu and X. H. Wang, 1999. Several methods for detecting DNA damages of organisms and their comparison. Journal of Jimei University (National Science)4(4): 72–79.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, T. J., P. L. Pascoe, J. M. Parky and D. R. Dixon, 1998. Evaluation of the comet assay as a method for the detection of DNA damage in the cells of a marine invertebrate,Mytilus edulis L. (Mollusca: Pelecypoda).Mutation Research 399(1): 87–95. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yu, R.A., 2000. Cadmium and DNA damage, oncogene expression as well as cell apoptosis.Overseas Medicine Hygienics Fascicule 27(6): 359–363. (in Chinese).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Liu Guangxing.

Additional information

Supported by the Youth Grant of the National High Technology Research and Development Program (2001AA649040) from the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) P. R. China and the Key Project from the Ministry of Education (02132).

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Liyan, Z., Ying, H. & Guangxing, L. Using DNA damage to monitor water environment. Chin. J. Ocean. Limnol. 23, 340–348 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02847158

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02847158

Key words

Navigation