Effects of exposure to copper and malathion on metallothionein levels and acetylcholinesterase activity of the mussel Mytilus edulis and the clam Macoma balthica from the northern Baltic sea

摘要

In the Baltic Sea, biomarkers have been applied to the monitoring of biological effects of pollution to a very limited extent Prior to their effective use, baseline information on the levels and ranges of biomarker responses in species suitable for monitoring is required. The constant brackish-water environment ranging from less than 2 PSU in the north to ca. 15 PSU in the south creates physiological stress to organisms of both marine and limnic origin. The ensuing adaptive physiological adjustments within the organisms may reflect in biomarker responses. Other abiotic and biotic features typical for the Baltic Sea, including those related to pollution load, call for basic research on biomarkers in this special environment.