engleski

Metal exposure and associated effects in mussels: an integrated approach - hyphenated analytical techniques and biomarkers

Aim of the study was the assessment of metal exposure in coastal areas under indirect or direct influence of maritime activities and nautical tourism (port and marinas) using integrated biological-chemical analytical approach and mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis as bioindicator species. Next to the natural sources, a large number of metals are present in the environment as a result of human activities. Since the ban of organo-tin compounds, Cu is the main component of anti-fouling paints, with the result that boat traffic is a major anthropogenic source of Cu in the coastal aquatic environment. Besides, zinc oxide is generally used in combination with Cu(I) as a booster. As a result of the leaching of chemicals from the painted surface, concentrations of metals are significantly elevated in semienclosed marine systems, such as harbours, marinas and estuaries, where the transport, berthing or docking of vessels is extensive. In this study we applied new methodological approach - investigation of metal distribution in the cytosolic fractions of proteins separated by size exclusion chromatography (SEC-HPLC) and detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Additionally, the cellular energy allocation (CEA) methodology was applied as a general biomarker of physiological status of mussels. Supplementary, a non-target bioanalytical approach utilizing 2D gel-electrophoresis will give hints for further potential protein biomarker. Thus, this study represents a contemporary and new approach in quantification and assessment of the environmental risk caused by metal exposure, as well as the potential toxic effect of metals on mussels. The study was performed on indigenous mussel populations sampled in the middle part of the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea at the locations of two ports, two marinas and a reference (unpolluted) site. The results obtained from the sampling in March 2011 will be presented. This study was performed within the scope of the DAAD project (Project-ID 50752021 Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst) during which scientific collaboration between the research groups from Croatia and Germany was established.

metal exposure; mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis; biomarkers; hyphenated analytical techniques

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