Multimarker Approach Analysis in Clam Ruditapes decussatus Sampled from Industrial Area of Tunis Lake

摘要

The purpose of this study is to assess the efficiency of a multimarker approach in clam Ruditapes decussatus sampled from industrial area of Tunis Lake. Clam samples were collected from industrial area through four seasons. Control samples were collected at the reference station "Ellouza". Benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylase (BPH) and Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities were used as a phase I and phase II detoxification enzyme. Catalase (CAT) activity and lipid peroxidation were analyzed as oxidative stress markers. Lipid peroxidation was assessed using malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation. Results showed a significant increase of all biomarker levels compared with controls. Moreover, the responses of four biomarkers fluctuated over time. BPH and GST activities showed a progressive increase from winter to autumn. CAT activity reached a maximum value in spring; while MDA concentration recorded a maximum value in summer. Seasonal variation of biomarkers arises from a complex interaction between exogenous and endogenous factors. These results confirm the efficiency of the multimarker approach used in this study for the detection of biologic responses in Ruditapes decussatus to environmental pollution and to confirm the presence of anthropogenic contaminants in the area of study, which essentially due to the industrial rejections.