Biochemical performance of native and introduced clam species living in sympatry: The role of elements accumulation and partitioning

Effects of Carbon Nanoparticles and Chromium Combined Exposure in Native (Ruditapes decussatus) and Invasive (Ruditapes philippinarum) Clams

Studies have described the occurrence of nanoparticles (NPs) in aquatic ecosystems, with particular attention to the widely commercialized carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Their presence in the environment raises concerns, especially regarding their toxicity when co-occurring with other pollutants such as metals. In the present study, changes to the metabolic capacity, oxidative, and neurologic status were evaluated in the presence of carboxylated multi-walled CNTs and chromium (Cr(III)) using two of the most ecologically and economically relevant filter feeder organisms: the clam species Ruditapes decussatus and R. philippinarum. Results indicated that although Cr, either alone or in combination with CNTs, was found in a similar concentration level in both species, a species-specific Cr accumulation was observed, with higher values in R. decussatus in comparison with R. philippinarum. Inhibition of antioxidant defenses and neurotoxic effects were detected only in R. philippinarum. The interaction between contaminants seems to have no effect in terms of antioxidant enzyme activities and neuro status. Nevertheless, synergistic activation of responses to both contaminants may have altered the metabolic capacity of bivalves, particularly evident in R. decussatus. While both clams are tolerant to both contaminants (alone and together), they showed a relevant accumulation capacity, which may represent a possible contaminant transfer to humans.

Essential and Non-Essential Elements in Razor Clams (Solen marginatus, Pulteney, 1799) from the Domitio Littoral in Campania (Southwestern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy)

The levels of essential (Cu, Cr, Co, Mn, Se, Zn) and non-essential (As, Be, Bi, Cd, Cs, Ga, Ni, Pb, Sr, Tl, U, V) trace elements were studied in razor clams (Solen marginatus) collected from the Tyrrhenian coast of Southern Italy at five selected sites along the Domitio littoral in the Campania region. The main objectives of this study were to assess the contamination status of these bivalve mollusks and to evaluate the risks to the environment and consumers due to metal contamination. The concentrations of 18 trace elements were determined after microwave-assisted mineralization and by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Concentrations of the toxic elements Pb and Cd were below the maximum levels established by Commission Regulation (EC) 1881/2006, while higher average concentrations of arsenic were found at each of the five sites studied. Regarding the other trace elements, contamination levels followed the order: Zn > Sr > Mn > Cu > Se > Cr > V > Ni > Co > Ga > Cs > Be > U > Bi > Tl. No significant differences among the sites were found with regard to any of the trace elements analyzed, and element levels in razor clams did not reflect sediment contamination. The results demonstrated the substantial food safety of the razor clams in this area with respect to heavy metals but revealed a potential health risk due to arsenic contamination in all the areas sampled.

Spatial and Temporal Distribution of the Multi-element Signatures of the Estuarine Non-indigenous Bivalve Ruditapes philippinarum

Filter-feeder bivalves such as non-indigenous Ruditapes philippinarum absorb and accumulate metals, resulting in multi-element profiles. The goal of this study was to analyse spatial and temporal distributions of the multi-element signatures in R. philippinarum populations of the Tagus and Sado estuaries (SW coast, Portugal). The clam and sediment samples were collected at three sampling sites in each estuary, on three sampling occasions, and the analysis were done by ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry). The chemical elements were categorized according to estuarine geomorphology sources (Se, Co, Ni and Cu), elements with function in metabolic processes of the clams (Mn, Fe, Zn and Cr) and elements derived from the anthropogenic inputs (As, Pb and Cd). Zinc, Co, Ni and Pb were the main contributors for the chemical signatures of Tagus estuary populations, whilst for the Sado estuary populations were Cu, Fe, Cr, As and Cd. They were representative of all elemental categories and proved to be spatial and temporal habitat discriminators of bivalves' estuarine populations. The multi-element signatures of R. philippinarum as a natural tag derived from the physical and chemical conditions of its habitat is a potential rapid tool to use in ecological monitoring and habitat assessment.

Bioaccumulation and ecotoxicological responses of clams exposed to terbium and carbon nanotubes: Comparison between native (Ruditapes decussatus) and invasive (Ruditapes philippinarum) species

In the last decades the use of rare earth elements (REEs) increased exponentially, including Terbium (Tb) which has been widely used in newly developed electronic devices. Also, the production and application of nanoparticles has been growing, being Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) among the most commonly used. Accompanying such development patterns, emissions towards the aquatic environments are highly probable, with scarce information regarding the potential toxicity of these pollutants to inhabiting species, especially considering their mixture. In the present study the effects of Tb and CNTs exposure (acting alone or as a mixture) on native and invasive clams' species (Ruditapes decussatus and Ruditapes philippinarum, respectively) were evaluated, assessing clams' accumulation and metabolic capacities, oxidative status as well neurotoxic impacts. Results obtained after a 28-days exposure period showed that the accumulation of Tb in both species was not affected by the presence of the CNTs and similar Tb concentrations were found in both species. The effects caused by Tb and CNTs, acting alone or as a mixture induced greater alterations in R. philippinarum antioxidant capacity in comparison to native R. decussatus, but no cellular damages were observed in both species. Nevertheless, although metabolic impairment was only observed in clams exposed to Tb, loss of redox balance and neurotoxicity were evidenced by both species regardless the exposure treatment. These findings highlight the potential impacts caused by CNTs and Tb, which may affect clams' normal physiological functioning, impairing their reproduction and growth capacities. The obtained results point out the need for further investigation considering the mixture of pollutants.

Invasive clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) are better equipped to deal with harmful algal blooms toxins than native species (R. decussatus): evidence of species-specific toxicokinetics and DNA vulnerability

This study aims to assess and compare the kinetics (accumulation/elimination) of the marine biotoxins okadaic acid (OA) and dinophysistoxin-1 (DTX1), between native (Ruditapes decussatus) and invasive (Ruditapes philippinarum) clam species, and their genotoxic effects and DNA recover capacity after, exposure to toxic dinoflagellates Prorocentrum lima. Clams were fed with P. lima for 5 days and then to non-toxic algae (post-exposure) during other 5 days. Toxin concentrations determined in clams by LC-MS/MS were related with DNA damage and repair assessment through the comet and base excision repair (BER) assays, respectively. Differential accumulation patterns were observed between the invasive and native species. The invasive species consistently and progressively accumulated the toxins during the first 24 h of exposure, while the native clams showed drastic variations in the toxin accumulation. Nevertheless, at the end of a 5 days of exposure period, the native clams presented higher toxin concentrations, nearly reaching the legal regulatory limit for human consumption. In addition, native clams were vastly affected by OA and DTX1, presenting an increment in the DNA damage since the first day, with a correspondent increase in the repair activity. On the other hand, invasive clams were not affected by the dinoflagellate toxins, exhibiting only some signs of the challenge, namely an increase in the DNA repair mechanisms in the post-exposure period. Invasive clams R. philippinarum are better adapted to cope with harmful algal blooms and OA-group toxins than native species. These results may increase farming interest and may lead to new introductions of the invasive clams. In sympatry sites, exposure to OA-group toxins may unbalance clams species biomass and distribution as exposure to toxic dinoflagellates affects the native clams from cellular to a population level, representing a significant threat to development and maintenance of R. decussatus populations.

The effects of co-exposure of graphene oxide and copper under different pH conditions in Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum

Carbon nanomaterials (CNM), such as graphene oxide (GO), have been the focus of study in several areas of science mostly due to their physical-chemical properties. However, data concerning the potential toxic effects of these CNM in bivalves are still scarce. When present in the aquatic systems, the combination with other contaminants, as well as pH environmental variations, can influence the behavior of these nanomaterials and, consequently, their toxicity. Thus, the main goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of exposure of clam Ruditapes philippinarum to GO when acting alone and in the combination with copper (Cu), under two pH levels (control 7.8 and 7.3). A 28-day exposure was performed and metabolism and oxidative stress-related parameters were evaluated. The effects caused by GO and Cu exposures, either isolated or co-exposed, showed a direct and dependent relationship with the pH in which the organisms were exposed. In clams maintained at control pH (7.8), Cu and GO + Cu treatments showed lower lipid peroxidation (LPO) and lower electron transport system (ETS) activity, respectively. In clams maintained at low pH, glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) activities were increased in Cu and Cu + GO treatments, whereas reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were increased in Cu treatment and ETS activity was higher in GO + Cu. Thus, it can be observed that clams responses to Cu and GO were strongly modulated by pH in terms of their defense system and energy production, although this does not result into higher LPO levels.

Spatial distribution, bioaccumulation profiles and risk for consumption of edible bivalves: a comparison among razor clam, Manila clam and cockles in the Venice Lagoon

Despite their ecological and economical relevance, a lack of data is still occurring about the distribution, abundance, bioaccumulation and risks for consumption of some edible bivalves. The present study has been carried out in the Venice Lagoon taking into account three bivalve species to investigate i) the possible relationship among the biological features-distribution, abundance and bioaccumulation patterns- of razor clams (Solen marginatus Pulteney, 1799), Manila clams (Ruditapes philippinarum Adams and Reeve, 1850) and lagoon cockles (Cerastoderma glaucum Poiret, 1789) and the hydrological features, namely sediment physico-chemical characteristics and contamination; ii) their specific role as bioindicators of inorganic contamination; iii) the possible risks for human health associated with the consumption of these edible bivalves. Results showed that species distribution and abundance, especially for razor clams, was mainly influenced by environmental conditions and sediment granulometric composition, above metal(loid) contamination. The contamination patterns were different among species, as Manila clam generally showed higher bioaccumulation values for most of the metal(loid)s, whilst lagoon cockles preferentially accumulated Ni. Eventually, a serious concern exists for the human consumption, for all species and investigated sites regarding As. This study will raise attention on the effects of bioaccumulation of inorganic pollutants by edible bivalves and risks for consumers' safety, especially concerning razor clams and cockles, for which a critical lack of data on metal(loid) bioaccumulation occurs from the Northern Adriatic Sea.

The use of carboxylesterases as biomarkers of pesticide exposure in bivalves: A methodological approach

Bivalves are worldwide sentinels of anthropogenic pollution. The inclusion of biomarker responses in chemical monitoring is a recommended practise that has to overcome some difficulties. One of them is the time frame between sample collection and sample processing in order to ensure the preservation of enzymatic activities. In the present study, three bivalve species of commercial interest (mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis, razor shell, Solen marginatus, and cockle, Cerastoderma edule) were processed within <2 h after being retrieved from their natural habitat, and 24 h after being transported in air under cold conditions (6-8 °C) to laboratory facilities. The enzymatic activities were compared in the three species submitted to both conditions revealing no differences in terms of carboxylesterase dependent activities (CEs) using different substrates: p-nitrophenyl acetate (pNPA), p-nitrophenyl butyrate (pNPB), 1-naphthyl acetate (1-NA), 1-naphthyl butyrate (1-NB) and 2-naphthyl acetate (2-NA). In mussels, three tissues were selected (haemolymph, gills and digestive gland). For comparative purposes, in razor shell and cockle only digestive gland was considered as it is the main metabolic organ. Baseline enzymatic activities for CEs were characterised in the digestive gland of the three bivalves using four out of the five selected CE substrates as well as the kinetic parameters (V_max and K_m) and catalytic efficiency. The in vitro sensitivity to the organophosphorus metabolite chlorpyrifos oxon was also calculated. IC₅₀ values (pM-nM range) were lower than those obtained for vertebrate groups which suggest that bivalves have high protection efficiency against this pesticide as well as species dependent particularities.

Metals and As content in sediments and Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum in the Tagus estuary (Portugal): Impacts and risk for human consumption

The Manila clam is emerging as a relevant species for the Portuguese market. The present work was conducted in the Tagus estuary to evaluate 1) the metals and As content in the sediments of the Tagus estuary, especially on those areas subjected to Manila clam harvesting 2) the metals and As content in clams, and the risk associated with their consumption 3) the physiological and biochemical responses of the clam to metals and As contamination, and its possible role as a pollution bioindicator in the estuarine environment. The most contaminated sediments were identified nearby industrial areas, nevertheless clams collected in low contaminated areas showed high metals and As concentrations. The condition index, glycogen content, membrane oxidative damage, biotransformation enzymes and metallothioneins showed consistent responses to metals and As content in clams. Results emphasize the need for the development of a management plan for the species exploitation in the Tagus estuary.

Does pre-exposure to warming conditions increase Mytilus galloprovincialis tolerance to Hg contamination?

The degree to which marine invertebrate populations can tolerate extreme weather events, such as short-term exposure to high temperatures, and the underlying biochemical response mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Furthermore, scarce information is available on how marine organisms respond to the presence of pollutants after exposure to heat stress conditions. Therefore, the present study aimed to understand how the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis responds to Hg pollution after pre-exposure to warming conditions. Mussels were exposed to control (17°C) and warming (21°C) conditions during 14days, followed by Hg contamination during 28days under different temperature regimes (17 and 21°C). The results obtained demonstrated significantly higher Hg concentrations in mussels under 17°C during the entire experiment than in organisms exposed to 21°C during the same period, which resulted in higher oxidative stress in mussels under control temperature. Significantly higher Hg concentrations were also observed in mussels pre-exposed to 21°C followed by a 17°C exposure comparing with organisms maintained the entire experiment at 21°C. These results may be explained by higher metabolic capacity in organisms exposed to 17°C after pre-exposure to 21°C that although induced antioxidant defences were not enough to prevent oxidative stress. No significant differences in terms of Hg concentration were found between mussels exposed to 17°C during the entire experiment and organisms pre-exposed to 21°C followed by a 17°C exposure, leading to similar oxidative stress levels in mussels exposed to both conditions. Therefore, our findings demonstrated that pre-exposure to warming conditions did not change mussels' accumulation and tolerance to Hg in comparison to Hg contaminated mussels maintained at control temperature. Furthermore, the present study indicate that organisms maintained under warming conditions for long periods may prevent the accumulation of pollutants by decreasing their metabolism which will limit cellular injuries.

CAPSULE

Mussels under warming conditions presented reduced metabolic capacity, resulting in lower Hg accumulation, which in turn prevented higher damages and, consequently, physiological impairments.

Effects of sediment contamination on physiological and biochemical responses of the polychaete Diopatra neapolitana, an exploited natural resource

The present study reports metal and arsenic contamination in sediments, as well as element accumulation and partitioning in the polychaete Diopatra neapolitana in the Ria de Aveiro lagoon (Portugal). The polychaetes biochemical performance and tissue regenerative capacity were also evaluated. The concentration of elements in sediments showed an increase of contamination among areas (areas A-G), but higher bioaccumulation was observed in organisms from a less contaminated area (area C, BAF>1). This study evidenced that individuals with higher elements bioaccumulation presented higher LPO and lower GSH/GSSG and also exhibited lower capacity for body regeneration. Polychaetes biotransformation capacity as well as antioxidant defense mechanisms were not sufficiently efficient to withstand the excess of ROS leading to increased LPO when organisms presented higher bioaccumulation levels. Additionally, an increase of methalotionines was also observed in individuals with higher bioaccumulation of metals and As, suggesting an induction of detoxification processes.

Biochemical and physiological alterations induced in Diopatra neapolitana after a long-term exposure to Arsenic

Several authors identified polychaetes as a group of marine invertebrates that respond rapidly to anthropogenic stressors. Furthermore, several studies have demonstrated that environmental pollution lead to the impoverishment of benthic communities with species replacement and biodiversity loss, but very few studies have investigated biochemical and physiological alterations that species undergo in response to Arsenic (As) exposure. Therefore, the present study assessed the toxicity induced in the polychaete Diopatra neapolitana after a long-term (28days) exposure to different As concentrations (0.0, 0.05, 0.25 and 1.25mg/L). For this biochemical and physiological alterations were evaluated. Biochemical analysis included the measurement of different biomarkers such as glutathione S-transferase (GST), lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were assessed in order to evaluate oxidative stress. Physiological analyzes included the observation of polychaetes regenerative capacity and the quantification of organisms total protein (PROT) and glycogen (GLY) content. The results obtained allowed to confirm the suitability of these biomarkers to identify the toxicity caused by As and moreover revealed that D. neapolitana is a good bioindicator of As pollution.

The impacts of As accumulation under different pH levels: Comparing Ruditapes decussatus and Ruditapes philippinarum biochemical performance

Marine bivalves have been used to assess environmental As contamination and the effects of seawater acidification when both factors are acting alone, but limited information is available regarding the impacts of both factors acting in combination. The aim of this study was to compare physiological (glycogen) and biochemical (lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and alkaline phosphatase) responses in both native (Ruditapes decussatus) and introduced (R. philippinarum) clams, when exposed to the combined effects of pH (7.8, control; 7.3) and As concentrations (0 and 4mg/L). The combined effect of As and pH on the health risks associated with clam consumption was also analyzed. Results revealed that both species were able to accumulate As under both pH levels, although higher As concentrations where observed under low pH. Thus, predicted pH decrease will potentiate health risks associated with the consumption of such species, since less amount of clams exposed to As is needed for an adult to exceed the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI). Low pH, As exposure and the combination of both factors did not negatively affect the native species, since clams were able to maintain their physiological and biochemical performance among all conditions. On the other hand, R. philippinarum was negatively affected by As exposure at control pH (7.8), inducing biotransformation and antioxidant defense mechanisms against As toxicity. R. philippinarum exposed and non-exposed to As presented similar responses under low pH although at this condition the introduced species accumulated twice the amount of As than R. decussatus.

Native and introduced clams biochemical responses to salinity and pH changes

By the end of year 2100 physiological and biochemical performance of aquatic organisms are expected to become strongly affected by salinity and pH shifts, which in turn may favor the conditions for introduced species to invade new ecosystem areas. Given this, we evaluated the effects of salinity and pH changes in native Ruditapes decussatus and introduced Ruditapes philippinarum clams, by measuring different biomarkers related to oxidative stress, metabolic activity and osmoregulation capacity. Results showed that extreme salinities induced mortality in both species, while all clams survived under low pH (7.3). Both species mobilized glycogen as a source of energy towards cells protection mechanisms under extreme salinities. The native species presented higher lipid peroxidation levels while the introduced species was able to prevent oxidative damages through the induction of antioxidant enzymes at most extreme salinities. R. philippinarum also induced CA activity to balance the ion homeostasis at extreme salinities. In contrast, low pH induced oxidative damages, an increase of antioxidant (catalase), detoxification (glutathione S-transferases) and osmoregulation (carbonic anhydrase) mechanisms in R. philippinarum compared to the native clams. Overall, salinity and pH changes can alter physiological and biochemical status of native and introduced clam species.

Accumulation and sub-cellular partitioning of metals and As in the clam Venerupis corrugata: Different strategies towards different elements

The main goal of the present study was to assess accumulation, tolerance and sub-cellular partitioning of As, Hg, Cd and Pb in Venerupis corrugata. Results showed an increase of elements accumulation in V. corrugata with the increase of exposure. However, organisms presented higher capacity to accumulate Hg, Cd and Pb (BCF ≥ 12.8) than As (BCF ≤ 2.1) and higher accumulation rate for Cd and Pb than for Hg and As. With the increase of Hg exposure concentrations clams tended to increase the amount of metal bound to metal-sensitive fractions, which may explain the mortality recorded at the highest exposure concentration. Cd sub-cellular partitioning showed that with the increase of exposure concentrations V. corrugata increased the amount of metal in the cellular debris fraction, probably bound to the cellular membranes which explain the mortality recorded at the highest concentration. Results on As partitioning demonstrated that most of the metalloid was associated with fractions in the biologically detoxified metal compartment (BDM). Since high mortality was observed in clams exposed to As our results may indicate that this strategy was not enough to prevent clams from toxic effects and mortality occurred. When exposed to Pb most of the metal was in the BDM compartment, but in this case the metal was mostly in the metal-rich granules fraction which seemed to be efficient in preventing clams from toxicity, and no mortality was recorded. Our study further revealed that As and Hg were the most available elements to be biomagnified through the food chain.

Salinity influences the biochemical response of Crassostrea angulata to Arsenic

The increasing rate of occurrence and persistence of climatic events causing salinity shifts, in combination with contamination, may further challenge organisms response to environmental stress. Hence, we studied the effects of different salinity levels (10, 20, 30 and 40) on the response of the oyster Crassostrea angulata to Arsenic (As) exposure (4 mg L(-1)). Total As, Na(+) and K(+) concentrations in oyster tissues were determined. Biochemical analysis were performed to assess osmotic regulation (CA), metabolism (ETS), enzymatic (SOD, CAT and GSTs) and non-enzymatic (GSH/GSSG and LPO) markers of oxidative stress. Results obtained showed significantly higher metabolic activities in oysters maintained in low salinity (10) exposure, coupled with higher As accumulation, as well as higher SOD and CAT activities, compared to higher salinities (30 and 40). GSTs activity and LPO levels were higher in oysters exposed to As at salinities 20, 30 and 40, compared to the same conditions without As. From our findings we concluded that the response of C. angulata to As is influenced by salinity. At the lowest salinity (10) oysters accumulated higher As concentrations, here attributed to higher metabolic rate involved in physiological osmoregulation, also stimulating antioxidant related enzymes activity (SOD and CAT) and thus preventing increased LPO (higher ETS activity also observed without As). On the contrary, at salinities 30 and 40 with As, antioxidant SOD and CAT were inhibited, enabling for LPO generation. Given our results, the effects of As on the oysters antioxidant capacity appears to be more deleterious under higher salinities (20, 30 and 40), comparing to salinity 10. The differentiated responses demonstrated in the present study in C. angulata oysters exposed to As under different salinities, bring new insights on the mechanisms of environmental adaptability of this species, namely to salinity shifts, and the interactions between such alterations and As exposure.

The effects of arsenic and seawater acidification on antioxidant and biomineralization responses in two closely related Crassostrea species

Ocean acidification processes are major threats to marine calcifying organisms, mostly affecting biomineralization related processes. Abiotic stressors acting on marine systems do not act alone, rather in a combination of multiple stressors, especially in coastal habitats such as estuaries, where anthropogenic and environmental pressures are high. Arsenic (As) is a widely distributed contaminant worldwide and its toxicity has been studied on a variety of organisms. However, the effect of low pH on the toxicity of As on marine organisms is unknown. Here, we studied the combined effects of ocean acidification and As exposure on two closely related oyster species (Crassostrea angulata and Crassostrea gigas), by use of a biochemical approach. Oxidative stress related parameters were studied along with the assessment of biomineralization enzymes activity after 28days of exposure. Results showed that both species were sensitive to all tested conditions (low pH, As and pH+As), showing enhancement of antioxidant and biotransformation defenses and impairment of biomineralization processes. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) activity were significantly higher in oysters exposed to As, showing activation of detoxification mechanisms, and a lower GSTs activity was observed in low pH+As condition, indicating an impact on the oysters capacity to detoxify As in a low pH scenario. Carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity was significantly lower in all tested conditions, showing to be affected by both As and low pH, whereas the combined effect of low pH+As was not different from the effect of low pH alone. Multivariate analysis of biochemical data allowed for the comparison of both species performance, showing a clear distinction of response in both species. C. gigas presented overall higher enzymatic activity (GSTs; superoxide dismutase; catalase; CA and acid phosphatase) and higher cytosolic GSH content in As exposed oysters than C. angulata. Results obtained indicate a higher tolerance capacity of the Pacific oyster C. gigas towards the tested conditions.

Clams sensitivity towards As and Hg: A comprehensive assessment of native and exotic species

To assess the environmental impact of As and Hg, bioindicator organisms such as bivalves have been used. Nevertheless, few studies have assessed the impacts of As and Hg in Ruditapes decussatus and Ruditapes philippinarum, which are native and exotic species in Europe, respectively. The main goal of the present study was to assess elements' partitioning and detoxification strategies of R. decussatus and R. philippinarum. Both clams showed a higher capacity to bioconcentrate Hg (BCF 2.29-7.49), when compared to As (0.59-1.09). Furthermore, As accumulation in both species was similar in the soluble and insoluble fractions, while in both species the majority of Hg was found in the insoluble fraction. Clams exposed to As showed different detoxification strategies, since R. decussatus had higher ability to enhance antioxidant enzymes and metallothioneins in order to reduce toxicity, and R.philippinarum increased glutathione S-transferase Ω activity, that catalyzes monomethyl arsenate reduction, the rate-limiting reaction in arsenic biotransformation. When exposed to Hg, R. decussatus presented, higher synthesis of antioxidant enzymes and lower LPO, being able to better tolerate Hg than the exotic species R. philippinarum. Thus under relevant levels of As and Hg contamination our work evidenced the higher ability of R. decussatus to survive and inhabit coastal environments not heavily contaminated by Hg and As.