Detecting genotoxicity using the Comet assay following chronic exposure of Manila clam Tapes semidecussatus to polluted estuarine sediments

A Weight of Evidence approach to support the assessment of the quality of Manila clam farming sites in a coastal lagoon

Aquaculture productivity in coastal lagoons is endangered by a complex interplay of anthropogenic and environmental factors, amplified by the effects of climate change in these sensitive areas. To reach a more comprehensive assessment of farming sites quality, a quantitative Weight of Evidence approach (QWoE) is applied for the first time to data collected at four Manila clam (R. philippinarum) farming sites in the Venice lagoon (Italy). This included sediment quality, chemical bioaccumulation, and biological responses. Results revealed a greater hazard for sites closer to the open sea. In these areas, the combination of sediment characteristics and a higher frequency of salinity and temperature stress could explain the alterations measured at a transcriptional and biomarker level. The findings demonstrate that a QWoE approach that integrates multiple sources of evidence should also include physicochemical conditions in order to better understand the impacts of human activities and other stressors on clam aquaculture productivity.

Trophic Transfer of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes at the Base of the Food Chain and Toxicological Response

The potential for trophic transfer of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) was assessed using the green algae Tetraselmis suecica and the blue mussel Mytilus edulis in a series of laboratory experiments. Swanee River Natural Organic Matter (SRNOM)-dispersed SWCNTs were introduced into growing algal cultures. Light microscopical observations, confirmed by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy, showed that SWCNT agglomerates adhered to the external algal cell walls and transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) results suggested internalization. A direct effect of SWCNT exposure on the algae was a significant decrease in growth, expressed as chlorophyll a concentration and cell viability. Mussels, fed with algae in the presence of SWCNTs, led to significantly increased pseudofaeces production, indicating selective feeding. Nevertheless, histological sections of the mussel digestive gland following exposure showed evidence of SWCNT-containing algae. Furthermore, DNA damage and oxidative stress biomarker responses in the mussel haemocytes and gill tissue were significantly altered from baseline values and were consistent with previously observed responses to SWCNT exposure. In conclusion, the observed SWCNT-algal interaction demonstrated the potential for SWCNT entrance at the base of the food chain, which may facilitate their trophic transfer with potential consequences for human exposure and health.

From DNA to ecological performance: Effects of anthropogenic noise on a reef-building mussel

Responses of marine invertebrates to anthropogenic noise are insufficiently known, impeding our understanding of ecosystemic impacts of noise and the development of mitigation strategies. We show that the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, is negatively affected by ship-noise playbacks across different levels of biological organization. We take a novel mechanistic multi-method approach testing and employing established ecotoxicological techniques (i.e. Comet Assay and oxidative stress tests) in combination with behavioral and physiological biomarkers. We evidence, for the first time in marine species, noise-induced changes in DNA integrity (six-fold higher DNA single strand-breaks in haemocytes and gill epithelial cells) and oxidative stress (68% increased TBARS in gill cells). We further identify physiological and behavioral changes (12% reduced oxygen consumption, 60% increase in valve gape, 84% reduced filtration rate) in noise-exposed mussels. By employing established ecotoxicological techniques we highlight impacts not only on the organismal level, but also on ecological performance. When investigating species that produce little visually obvious responses to anthropogenic noise, the above mentioned endpoints are key to revealing sublethal effects of noise and thus enable a better understanding of how this emerging, but often overlooked stressor, affects animals without complex behaviors. Our integrated approach to noise research can be used as a model for other invertebrate species and faunal groups, and inform the development of effective methods for assessing and monitoring noise impacts. Given the observed negative effects, noise should be considered a potential confounding factor in studies involving other stressors.

Genetic impacts induced by BaP and Pb in Mytilus coruscus: Can RAPD be a validated tool in genotoxicity evaluation both in vivo and in vitro?

Benzo(α)pyrene (BaP) and lead (Pb) are common pollutants discharged greatly in ocean and causing detrimental impacts on marine organisms. Although mussels are one of the most prominent and frequently studied biological models, the research on their genomic alterations induced by the mixture of two totally different chemicals, is still rare. In present study, local marine mussels Mytilus coruscus were exposed in vivo to BaP (53.74 ± 19.79 μg/L), Pb (2.58 ± 0.11 mg/L) and their mixture for 6 days. The genotoxic damages were assessed by comet assay, micronucleus (MNi) test, and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. Significantly increased though transitory genomic damage was investigated after the exposure and showed consistency using various detecting methods. Additive genotoxicity was only found after 3 days combined exposure by means of MNi test, suggesting that BaP and Pb may play with alternative biological targets during metabolism and/or interaction with the genome. The geno-stability and the recovery capability were further detected both in vivo and in vitro after challenged by BaP. RAPD results showed coherence in BaP induced genotoxicity, together with time-specific alterations. The genomic instability was found to recover in both in vivo and in vitro exposure scenarios in present study. To our knowledge, this is the first study to focus on the genotoxicitiy induced by BaP, Pb and their mixture by multiple detecting techniques. The attempt to utilize model pollutants and marine organism to validate the potential value of RAPD analysis highlighted that it might be a useful tool in the research of genotoxicology, especially on the effect-mechanism interplay at genetic level.

Estimation of formaldehyde occupational exposure limit based on genetic damage in some Iranian exposed workers using benchmark dose method

The present study evaluated an occupational exposure level for formaldehyde employing benchmark dose (BMD) approach. Dose-response relationship was determined by utilizing cumulative occupational exposure dose and DNA damage. Based on this goal, outcome of comet assay for some Iranian exposed people in occupational exposure individuals was used. In order to assess formaldehyde exposure, 53 occupationally exposed individuals selected from four melamine tableware workshops and 34 unexposed subjects as a control group were examined. The occupational exposure dose was carried out according to the NIOSH-3500 method, and the DNA damage was obtained by employing comet assay in peripheral blood cells. EPA Benchmark Dose Software was employed for calculating BMD and BMDL. Cumulative exposure dose of formaldehyde was between of 2.4 and 1972 mg. According to the findings of the current study, the induction of DNA damage in the exposed persons was increased tail length and tail moment (p < 0.001), when compared to controls. Finally, an acceptable dose-response relationship was obtained in three-category information between formaldehyde cumulative exposure doses and genetic toxicity. BMDL was 0.034 mg/m³ (0.028 ppm), corresponding to genetic damage of peripheral blood cells. It can be concluded that the occupational permissible limit in Iranian people could be at levels lower than OSHA standards.

An integrated approach to study the risk from landfill soil of Delhi: Chemical analyses, in vitro assays and human risk assessment

In the present study, landfill soil of three municipal solid waste landfill sites of Delhi, India were toxico-chemically analyzed for human risk assessment as inadequate information is available on the possible health effects of the contaminants present in landfill soil. The landfill soil samples were prepared for analyzing heavy metal concentration, organic contaminants and toxicity analysis separately. Composite soil sample collected from three landfill sites were analyzed for heavy metal by ICP-AES. Metal concentration so obtained was below the permissible limit of soil but higher than the set limits for effluent. Some of the persistent organic contaminants like phthalates, benzene derivatives, halogenated aliphatic compounds and PAHs derivatives were detected by scan mode GC-MS. Further, concentration of 17 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in landfill soil of Delhi was evaluated by selective ion monitoring GC-MS in order to ascertain their contamination levels and potential health risk. The concentration of total PAHs in the samples ranged from 192 to 348µg/kg. The maximum concentrations of PAHs were found in Ghazipur landfill site followed by Okhla and Bhalswa landfills. Cancer risk (CR) values of sampling sites were within the acceptable range for adults, adolescents and children (both male and female) suggesting that PAHs present in landfill soil are unlikely to pose any cancer risk for population based on dermal contact, ingestion and inhalation exposure pathways. However, landfill soil organic extract showed significant cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on HepG2 cell line as revealed by MTT and Comet assays respectively. The observed MTT EC₅₀ values ranged from 7.58 to 12.9g SedEq/Lalong with statistically significant DNA damage. Thus, although the soil organic extract contained low concentrations of PAHs with negligible carcinogenic potential, but the mixture of organic pollutants present in soil were found to be toxic enough to affect human health due to their synergistic or additive actions.

Genotoxic effects of starvation and dimethoate in haemocytes and midgut gland cells of wolf spider Xerolycosa nemoralis (Lycosidae)

The aim of this study was to assess the genotoxic effects of starvation and dimethoate (organophosphate insecticide) in female and male wolf spiders Xerolycosa nemoralis (Lycosidae) exposed to the stressors under laboratory conditions. DNA damage was measured in haemocytes and midgut gland cells using the comet assay. In response to the two stressing factors, both cell types showed %TDNA, tail length (TL) and OTM values higher in males than in females. Level of DNA damage in haemocytes was greater than in midgut gland cells. In both sexes, the strongest genotoxicity was recorded at single application of dimethoate. After five-time exposure to the pesticide, genotoxic effects of a single dose were sustained in males and reduced to the control level in females. Starvation stress was well tolerated by the females, in which neither cell type was affected by DNA damage. However, in male haemocytes food deprivation induced severe DNA damage, what suggests suppression of the defence potential at prolonged starvation periods.

Neutral red cytotoxicity assays for assessing in vivo carbon nanotube ecotoxicity in mussels--Comparing microscope and microplate methods

The purpose of the present study was to compare two neutral red retention methods, the more established but very labour-intensive microscope method (NRR) against the more recently developed microplate method (NRU). The intention was to explore whether the sample volume throughput could be increased and potential operator bias avoided. Mussels Mytilus sp. were exposed in vivo to 50, 250 and 500 μg L(-1) single (SWCNTs) or multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Using the NRR method, SWCNTs and MWCNTs caused concentration dependent decreases in neutral red retention time. However, a concentration dependent decrease in optical density was not observed using the NRU method. We conclude that the NRU method is not sensitive enough to assess carbon nanotube ecotoxicity in vivo in environmentally relevant media, and recommend using the NRR method.

DNA damage in haemocytes and midgut gland cells of Steatoda grossa (Theridiidae) spiders exposed to food contaminated with cadmium

The aim of this study was to assess the genotoxic effects of Cd on haemocytes and midgut gland cells of web-building spiders, Steatoda grossa (Theridiidae), exposed to the metal under laboratory conditions. Analyzes were conducted on adult females and males, fed for four weeks with cadmium-contaminated Drosophila hydei flies, grown on a medium suplemented with 0.25 mM CdCl2. The comet assay, providing a quantitative measure of DNA strand breaks, was used to evaluate the DNA damage caused by the metal. Cadmium content was measured in whole spider bodies by the AAS method. Metal body burden was significantly lower in females (0.25 µgg(-1) dry weight) than in males (3.03 µgg(-1) dry weight), suggesting that females may have more effective mechanisms controlling the uptake of metal, via the digestive tract, or its elimination from the body. Irrespectively of sex, spiders fed prey contaminated with cadmium showed significantly higher values of comet parameters: tail DNA (TDNA), tail length (TL) and olive tail moment (OTM), in comparison with the control. In midgut gland cells, the level of DNA damage was higher for males than females, while in haemocytes the genotoxic effect of cadmium was greater in females. The obtained results indicate that in spiders cadmium displays strong genotoxic effects and may cause DNA damage even at low concentrations, however the severity of damage seems to be sex- and internal organ-dependent. The comet assay can be considered a sensitive tool for measuring the deleterious effect of cadmium on DNA integrity in spiders.

In Vitro Analysis of Early Genotoxic and Cytotoxic Effects of Okadaic Acid in Different Cell Types of the Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis

Okadaic acid (OA) is the predominant biotoxin responsible for diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) syndrome in humans. While its harmful effects have been extensively studied in mammalian cell lines, the impact on marine organisms routinely exposed to OA is still not fully known. Few investigations available on bivalve molluscs suggest less genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of OA at high concentrations during long exposure times. In contrast, no apparent information is available on how sublethal concentrations of OA affect these organisms over short exposure times. In order to fill this gap, this study addressed for the first time in vitro analysis of early genotoxic and cytotoxic effects attributed to OA in two cell types of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Accordingly, hemocytes and gill cells were exposed to low OA concentrations (10, 50, 100, 200, or 500 nM) for short periods of time (1 or 2 h). The resulting DNA damage, as apoptosis and necrosis, was subsequently quantified using the comet assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Data demonstrated that (1) mussel hemocytes seem to display a resistance mechanism against early genotoxic and cytotoxic OA-induced effects, (2) mussel gill cells display higher sensitivity to early OA-mediated genotoxicity than hemocytes, and (3) mussel gill cells constitute more suitable systems to evaluate the genotoxic effect of low OA concentrations in short exposure studies. Taken together, this investigation provides evidence supporting the more reliable suitability of mussel gill cells compared to hemocytes to evaluate the genotoxic effect of low short-duration exposure to OA.

Does the marine biotoxin okadaic acid cause DNA fragmentation in the blue mussel and the pacific oyster?

Two bivalve species of global economic importance: the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis and the pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas were exposed in vivo, to the diarrhoetic shellfish toxin okadaic acid (OA), and impacts on DNA fragmentation were measured. Shellfish were exposed using two different regimes, the first was a single (24 h) exposure of 2.5 nM OA (∼0.1 μg/shellfish) and algal feed at the beginning of the trial (T0), after which shellfish were only fed algae. The second was daily exposure of shellfish to two different concentrations of OA mixed with the algal feed over 7 days; 1.2 nM OA (∼0.05 μg OA/shellfish/day) and 50 nM OA (∼2 μg OA/shellfish/day). Haemolymph and hepatopancreas cells were extracted following 1, 3 and 7 days exposure. Cell viability was measured using the trypan blue exclusion assay and remained above 85% for both cell types. DNA fragmentation was examined using the single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay. A significant increase in DNA fragmentation was observed in the two cell types from both species relative to the controls. This increase was greater in the pacific oyster at the higher toxin concentration. However, there was no difference in the proportion of damage measured between the two cell types, and a classic dose response was not observed, increasing toxin concentration did not correspond to increased DNA fragmentation.

Evaluation of single-cell gel electrophoresis data: combination of variance analysis with sum of ranking differences

Specimens of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis were collected from five sites in the Boka Kotorska Bay (Adriatic Sea, Montenegro) during the period summer 2011-autumn 2012. Three types of tissue, haemolymph, digestive gland were used for assessment of DNA damage. Images of randomly selected cells were analyzed with a fluorescence microscope and image analysis by the Comet Assay IV Image-analysis system. Three parameters, viz. tail length, tail intensity and Olive tail moment were analyzed on 4200 nuclei per cell type. We observed variations in the level of DNA damage in mussels collected at different sites, as well as seasonal variations in response. Sum of ranking differences (SRD) was implemented to compare use of different types of cell and different measure of comet tail per nucleus. Numerical scales were transferred into ranks, range scaling between 0 and 1; standardization and normalization were carried out. SRD selected the best (and worst) combinations: tail moment is the best for all data treatment and for all organs; second best is tail length, and intensity ranks third (except for digestive gland). The differences were significant at the 5% level. Whereas gills and haemolymph cells do not differ significantly, cells of the digestive gland are much more suitable to estimate genotoxicity. Variance analysis decomposed the effect of different factors on the SRD values. This unique combination has provided not only the relative importance of factors, but also an overall evaluation: the best evaluation method, the best data pre-treatment, etc., were chosen even for partially contradictory data. The rank transformation is superior to any other way of scaling, which is proven by ordering the SRD values by SRD again, and by cross validation.

An integrated use of multiple biomarkers to investigate the individual and combined effect of copper and cadmium on the marine green mussel (Perna viridis)

The present study documents individual and combined sub-lethal effect of one redox active (copper) and one non-redox active (cadmium) metal on green mussel (Perna viridis). The mussels were exposed to 60 μg L(-1) of Cu and 150 μg L(-1) of Cd (individually and in combination) for 21 days. Histopathological and ultrastructural studies revealed significant metal induced alterations such as vacuolization, fusion of gill lamellae, enhance mucous deposition, hyperplasia and necrosis in gills. Antioxidant enzyme assays revealed significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. Similarly, single exposure to Cd and Cu caused significant induction in Malate dehydrogenase (MDH) activity. However, combined Cu+Cd exposure modulated suppression in MDH activity. Unlike MDH, Cu and Cd individual exposure resulted in a decrease in esterase (EST) activity, but their combined exposure caused an induction. Non-enzymatic biomarkers such as lipid peroxidation (LPO) and metallothionein (MT) levels showed no significant change in response to Cu exposure, whereas, individual Cd exposure or Cd exposure in combination with Cu caused significant changes in their levels. Comet assay revealed a significant increase in DNA damage upon metal exposure. These results indicate that Cu (redox active) and Cd (non-redox active) can induce measurable physiological, biochemical as well as genotoxic perturbations in mussels even at sub-lethal concentrations. A monitoring programme based on the biomarkers discussed here would be useful to study the effect of metal pollutants reaching the coastal waters.

Potentiating toxicological interaction of single-walled carbon nanotubes with dissolved metals

The present study explored the ecotoxicology of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and their likely interaction with dissolved metals, with a focus on the effect of in vivo exposure in marine mussels. Any nano-scale effects were negated by the tendency of uncoated SWCNTs to agglomerate in water, particularly with high ionic strength as is the case in estuarine and full-strength seawater. However, SWCNTs, in combination with natural organic matter, remained suspended in seawater for long enough to become available to filter-feeding mussels, leading to their concentration on and increased contact with gill epithelia during exposure. For the first time, the authors describe a potentiating toxicological effect, expressed as DNA strand breaks obtained using the comet assay, on divalent metals afforded by negatively charged SWCNT agglomerates in seawater at concentrations as low as 5 µg L⁻¹. This is supported by the observation that SWCNTs alone were only toxic at concentrations ≥100 µg L⁻¹ and that the SWCNT-induced DNA damage was correlated with oxidative stress only in the absence of metals. If these laboratory experiments are confirmed in the natural environment, the present results will have implications for the understanding of the role of carbon nanotubes in environmental metal dynamics, toxicology, and consequently, regulatory requirements.

Comparative DNA damage and oxidative effects of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic sediment-bound PAHs in the gills of a bivalve

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) regarded as carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic to humans are ubiquitous hydrophobic pollutants that tend to be trapped in aquatic sediments. As a consequence of their acknowledged toxicity and pro-mutagenic or even carcinogenic potential, PAHs are deemed prioritary in biomonitoring programmes. Still, the differences between the toxicity of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic PAHs are poorly known especially, when aquatic organisms are exposed to ecologically-relevant concentrations of these compounds in sediments. Laboratory bioassays with sediments spiked with phenanthrene (Phe) and benzo[b]fluoranthene (B[b]F), non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic PAH, respectively, were conducted and the effects of exposure (related to DNA damage and oxidative stress) were analyzed in the gills of a burrowing clam, Ruditapes decussatus (Bivalvia, Veneridae). To ensure ecological relevance, two contaminant concentrations (termed "low" and "high") were selected in accordance with available PAH sediment quality guidelines. The results showed that, even in "low" concentrations, both compounds caused a likely genotoxic effect in the gills, which is in accordance with the link between PAHs in water. Glutathione S-transferase activity and glutathione biosynthesis appear to be associated with limited lipid peroxidation even though they were insufficient to prevent higher and faster genotoxicity induced by exposure to the carcinogenic B[b]F, comparative to Phe. Overall the findings indicate that low concentrations of sediment-bound PAHs, carcinogenic or not, may be rendered significantly bioavailable to benthic filter-feeders as to induce genotoxicity, revealing that even PAHs considered non-carcinogenic to humans detain a latent, albeit significant, pro-mutagenic hazard to bivalve molluscs.

DNA integrity assessment in hemocytes of soft-shell clams (Mya arenaria) in the Saguenay Fjord (Québec, Canada)

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of pollution on DNA integrity in the feral soft-shell clam (Mya arenaria) in the Saguenay Fjord. Intertidal clams were collected downstream and upstream of the fjord at sites under anthropogenic pollution. DNA integrity was assessed by following changes in single- and double-stranded breaks, variation in DNA content and micro-nuclei (MN) incidence in hemocytes. The results revealed that clams collected at polluted sites had reduced DNA strand breaks (lower DNA repair activity), increased DNA content variation and MN frequency in hemocytes. The data revealed that DNA content variation was closely related to MN frequency and negatively with DNA strand breaks formation. Water conductivity was also related to reduced MN frequency and DNA content variation, indicating that, in addition to the effects of pollution, the gradual dilution of saltwater could compromise mussel health.

A study of proteotoxicity and genotoxicity induced by the pesticide and fungicide on marine invertebrate (Donax faba)

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) and carbendazim (CBZ) are widely used pesticide and fungicide in India. The 96 h LC(50) values of chlorpyrifos and carbendazim for the marine invertebrate Donax faba, were 247.72 μg L(-1) and 200.82 μg L(-1) respectively. CBZ was found to accumulate less than CPF. Gill, body and foot tissues were used as target organs in biomarker and genotoxic studies. The results showed that treatment with chlorpyrifos and carbendazim increased the MDA levels, decreased the GSH levels and changed the total protein, SOD, CAT, GPx and AChE activities in all the tissues compared to those of the control (p<0.05). These results suggest that lipid peroxidation can be a possible pathway for the toxicity of chlorpyrifos and carbendazim. The antioxidant enzyme levels decrease as a result of the consumption of enzymes to neutralize free radicals generated by CPF and CBZ. Comet tail was observed in the first three doses, in all the tissues, of which the mean tail length differed significantly (p<0.01) from those of the unexposed ones. D. faba can be used as an indicator organism to assess the genotoxic risks of chemical contamination in the marine environment using comet assay. Theses biomarkers can be used further to know these agrochemicals impact on coastal marine bivalves.

Fluctuating estuarine conditions are not confounding factors for the Comet assay assessment of DNA damage in the mussel Mytilus edulis

The Comet assay is finding increasing application as a biomarker assay for the genotoxic potential of contaminants in field transplantation experiments involving mussels. Especially in estuaries, habitats that are of particular concern, environmental variables, such as salinity, can vary significantly. Although hinted at in the literature, there is a lack of clarification as to whether changes in salinity or emersion-induced hypoxia have the potential to alter background DNA damage in mussels, thus masking the extent of potential genotoxic effects following exposure to environmental contaminants. The present study exposed Mytilus edulis in the laboratory to static salinities (25, 50, 75, and 100 %) for 72 h. Mussels were also subjected to simulated tidal cycles, including periods of emersion, for 72 h. None of these treatments resulted in a significant change in the level of DNA damage expressed as % tail DNA. These experiments demonstrate that salinity, within the limits of the concentrations tested, and temporary emersion are not confounding factors for Comet assay data derived from M. edulis.

Genotoxicity of the sediments collected from Pearl River in China and their polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals

The accelerated industrialization and urbanization in the last three decades around the Pearl River Delta within Guangdong Province in China have led to serious concerns about the impacts on the aquatic environment. In the present study, the genotoxicity of the sediments collected from the Pearl River was evaluated by micronucleus (MN) assay with Vicia faba root tip cells, and the 16 EPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals (HMs, including Cr, Cu, As, Se, Cd, Hg, and Pb) in the sediments were determined respectively by GC-MS, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The results showed that there were significant increases of MN frequencies observed in the sediment-exposed groups, compared with the negative group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), indicating that the sediments clearly had genotoxicity to the V. faba root cells. The total concentrations of the priority PAHs (250-13,656 ng g(-1), dry weight) and HMs (As, 22,770-36,639 μg kg(-1); Cr, 39,333-133,343 μg kg(-1); Cu, 36,145-159,270 μg kg(-1); Pb, 51,210-166,642 μg kg(-1); Cd, 475.4-1,818.9 μg kg(-1); Hg, 59.9-460.8 μg kg(-1); and Se, 331.7-1,250.4 μg kg(-1), dry weight) were close to those obtained from other urbanized and industrialized areas, which have been considered moderately polluted. There was a clear positive correlation between MN potency and the molar concentrations of Hg and Pb in the sediments (Hg, r = 0.94; Pb, r = 0.91), suggesting that Hg and Pb were the most important factors that posed the sediments higher genotoxicity to V. faba root cells. Our results suggested that both biological and chemical approaches are necessary to be included in a battery of tests to assess the eco-environmental risks of sediments.

Evaluation of the potential impact of polluted sediments using Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum: bioaccumulation and biomarker responses

An assessment was made to monitor the short-term impact of heavily polluted sediments that may move out from the brackish man-made Lake Shihwa outside of the sea dike due to operations of a tidal power plant. Here, we exposed the Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum collected from the western coast of Korea to natural sediment under lab condition for 96 h. Sediments were collected from Lake Shihwa and outside of the sea dike representing polluted and reference conditions, respectively. The results of chemical analysis revealed that the concentrations of nonylphenol and heavy metals in water and sediment from the inner region of Lake Shihwa were significantly higher than those of reference sediments. After 48 and 96 h of exposure, 30 specimens of clams were sampled from each experimental condition, and concentrations of nonylphenol and metals were measured in clams, water, and sediments. Several biomarkers, including concentrations of metallothionein-like proteins, and activities of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione S-transferase and catalase were determined in clams to characterize the effects of polluted sediments to clams. After 96 h of exposure, R. philippinarum assimilated nonylphenol up to 71 times compared to initial concentrations. However, there was no apparent uptake of heavy metals into the clams. Additionally, antioxidant enzymes exhibited higher activities in clams exposed to the polluted sediment. The results of the present study with physiological responses in R. philippinarum suggest that sediment transportation caused by the operation of a tidal power plant in Lake Shihwa will have striking effects on benthic organisms in the adjacent coastal area.

Use of three bivalve species for biomonitoring a polluted estuarine environment

Estuaries are marine areas at great contamination risk due to their hydrodynamic features. PAH are wide and ubiquitous contaminants with a high presence in these marine environments. Chemical analysis of sediments can provide information, although it does not give a direct measure of the toxicological effect of such contaminants in the biota. Samples of Venerupis pullastra, Cerastoderma edule, and Mytilus galloprovincialis were collected from two locations in Corcubión estuary (Norhwest of Spain). The level of PAH in sediment and biota, and its possible origin were assessed. A moderate level of contamination was observed with a predominance of PAH of a pyrogenic origin. Genotoxic damage, measured as single-strand DNA breaks with the comet assay, was evaluated in gill tissue and in hemolymph. The values of DNA damage obtained showed a higher sensitivity of clams and cockles to the pollution load level. These differences among species make us suggest the use of some other species coupled with mussels as an optimal tool for biomonitoring estuarine environments.

Monitoring follow up of two areas affected by the Prestige oil four years after the spillage

The sinking of the oil tanker Prestige in November 2002 resulted in the spill of more than 63,000 tonnes of crude oil, and polluted more than 1,000 km of coastline, especially affecting Galicia (northwestern Spain). Four years after the accident, a new biological monitoring study was undertaken of two Galician areas intensely affected by the spill, Lira and Ancoradoiro, previously evaluated in the months following the accident ( Laffon et al. 2006 ). The mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis was employed as bioindicator organism to determine both polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) levels and genotoxic effects. PAH were determined chromatographically in seawater samples and mussel tissues collected from November 2006 to January 2008. The results obtained showed that PAH pollution was still present in these areas, but bioaccumulation of these compounds in mussels was low, compared to reference mussels, and lower than in our previous study. DNA damage assessment was also performed in gills and hemolymph cells by means of the alkaline comet assay. DNA damage levels were higher in mussels from the exposed areas than in reference mussels. DNA damage decreased after a 7-d recovery period in the laboratory, but prolonging the recovery period up to 14 d did not contribute to less DNA damage in gill cells. Hemolymph cells were more sensitive than gill cells to the induction of DNA damage.

Comparison between two bivalve species as tools for the assessment of pollution levels in an estuarian environment

Estuaries are semi-enclosed marine areas with water short residence times. Estuary ecosystems show a higher susceptibility to contamination, as historically these sites are linked to urban and industrial development. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are ubiquitous contaminants present in high quantities in these marine environments. Chemical analyses of sediments provides information regarding PAH pollution levels but not a direct measure of the toxicological effects attributed to these contaminants. Samples of sediments and of two bivalve species, Cerastoderma edule and Mytilus galloprovincialis, were collected from two locations (Corcubión and A Concha) in an estuary from northwestern Spain. The PAH levels in sediment and bivalve species and possible sources were determined. A moderate level and a low level of pyrogenic PAH contamination were observed in Corcubión and in A Concha, respectively. Genotoxic damage was evaluated in gills and hemocytes from mussels and cockles by means of the comet assay. DNA damage measured as DNAt values showed a reliable relationship with pollution load levels of the two sampling sites. The higher sensitivity of C. edule compared to M. galloprovincialis enables one to recommend including another species coupled with mussels for biomonitoring estuarine environments.

Maintenance of bivalve hemocytes for the purpose of delayed DNA strand break assessment using the comet assay

The lack of appropriate methods for storing intact and viable cells for the purpose of delayed DNA strand break analysis has hitherto limited the application of the Comet assay to in vitro or in vivo laboratory studies and restricted ecologically more relevant field-collected samples to sites in proximity to suitable laboratory facilities. In the present article, osmotically corrected cell culture media Hanks Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) and Leibovitz Media (L-15) were assessed for their suitability as temporary storage media of blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) hemocytes. It was found that hemocytes maintained in either HBSS or L-15 could be stored for at least 7 days at 4 degrees C without any significant deterioration in cell viability (Trypan blue) or increase in DNA strand breaks, expressed as % tail DNA. This approach allows the acquisition and examination of samples from organisms exposed in situ at previously unsuitable remote sites, thereby greatly increasing the potential ecological relevance of Comet assay-derived genotoxicity data.

Evaluation of DNA damage induced by environmental exposure to mercury in Liza aurata using the comet assay

Mercury (Hg) is one of the major aquatic contaminants even though emissions have been reduced over the years. Despite the relative abundance of investigations carried out on Hg toxicity, there is a scarcity of studies on its DNA damaging effects in fish under realistic exposure conditions. This study assessed the Hg genotoxicity in Golden grey mullets (Liza aurata) at Laranjo basin, a particularly contaminated area of Ria de Aveiro (Portugal) well known for its Hg contamination gradient. (1) Fish were seasonally caught at Laranjo basin and at a reference site (S. Jacinto), and (2) animals from the reference site were transplanted and caged (at bottom and surface), for 3 days, in two different locations within Laranjo basin. Using the comet assay, blood was analyzed for genetic damage and apoptotic cell frequency. The seasonal survey showed greater DNA damage in the Hg-contaminated area for all sampling seasons excluding winter. The temporal variation pattern of DNA lesions was: summer approximately autumn > winter > spring. Fish caged at Laranjo also exhibited greater DNA damage than those caged at the reference site, highlighting the importance of gill uptake on the toxicity of this metal. No increased susceptibility to apoptosis was detected in either wild or caged fish, indicating that mercury damages DNA of blood cells by a nonapoptotic mechanism. Both L. aurata and the comet assay proved to be sensitive and suitable for genotoxicity biomonitoring in mercury-contaminated coastal systems.

The effects of salinity on the Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) using the neutral red retention assay with adapted physiological saline solutions

This study investigated the internal osmotic regulatory capabilities of the Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) following in vivo exposure to a range of salinities. A second objective was to measure the health status of the Manila clam following exposure to different salinities using the neutral red retention (NRR) assay, and to compare results using a range of physiological saline solutions (PSS). On exposure to seawater of differing salinities, the Manila clam followed a pattern of an osmoconformer, although they seemed to partially regulate their circulatory haemolytic fluids to be hyperosmotic to the surrounding aqueous environment. Significant differences were found when different PSS were used, emphasizing the importance of using a suitable PSS to reduce additional osmotic stress. Using PSS in the NRR assay that do not exert additional damage to lysosomal membrane integrity will help to more accurately quantify the effects of exposure to pollutants on the organism(s) under investigation.

Effects of contaminated sediment from Cork Harbour, Ireland on the cytochrome P450 system of turbot

Hatchery-reared juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.) were exposed for 3 weeks, under laboratory conditions, to inter-tidal sediments collected from polluted sites in Cork Harbour (Whitegate and Agahda) and a reference site at Ballymacoda Co., Cork, Ireland. The potential of the sediment exposure to induce cytochrome P450 activities and CYP1A1 in the fish was assessed. Chemical analysis revealed that the sediments originating from the reference and harbour sites were contaminated principally with PAHs-the harbour sites having double the levels of those at the reference site. Following 3 weeks exposure to the sediments western blotting demonstrated a strong immunogenic response for CYP1A1 in the liver, but not for gill or intestine. P450 activities were generally significantly higher than those exposed to reference site sediment. Liver was the most responsive tissue with significantly greater P450 activities compared with gill and intestinal tissues.

Comet assay: a reliable tool for the assessment of DNA damage in different models

New chemicals are being added each year to the existing burden of toxic substances in the environment. This has led to increased pollution of ecosystems as well as deterioration of the air, water, and soil quality. Excessive agricultural and industrial activities adversely affect biodiversity, threatening the survival of species in a particular habitat as well as posing disease risks to humans. Some of the chemicals, e.g., pesticides and heavy metals, may be genotoxic to the sentinel species and/or to non-target species, causing deleterious effects in somatic or germ cells. Test systems which help in hazard prediction and risk assessment are important to assess the genotoxic potential of chemicals before their release into the environment or commercial use as well as DNA damage in flora and fauna affected by contaminated/polluted habitats. The Comet assay has been widely accepted as a simple, sensitive, and rapid tool for assessing DNA damage and repair in individual eukaryotic as well as some prokaryotic cells, and has increasingly found application in diverse fields ranging from genetic toxicology to human epidemiology. This review is an attempt to comprehensively encase the use of Comet assay in different models from bacteria to man, employing diverse cell types to assess the DNA-damaging potential of chemicals and/or environmental conditions. Sentinel species are the first to be affected by adverse changes in their environment. Determination of DNA damage using the Comet assay in these indicator organisms would thus provide information about the genotoxic potential of their habitat at an early stage. This would allow for intervention strategies to be implemented for prevention or reduction of deleterious health effects in the sentinel species as well as in humans.

Effect of copper on the scope for growth of clams (Tapes philippinarum) from a farming area in the Northern Adriatic Sea

Copper is currently the most common biocide in antifouling paints. Levels of this metal were measured in the water, particulate matter and sediments from a shellfish farming area in the Sacca di Goro (Northern Adriatic Sea) over one year. With respect to the 1980s, copper environmental level increased twofold. The release of copper from shellfish farmers' boats was also estimated to be > 250 kg Cu y(-1). Clams Tapes philippinarum were collected in the same area and seasonally exposed to a sublethal (10 microg Cu l(-1)) concentration of copper. Physiological traits were significantly affected by copper exposure (scope for growth declined as a result of reduced clearance rate, increased oxygen consumption and a generally lower absorption efficiency). The results of this study are cause for concern for shellfish farming activities at least in Northern Adriatic, where shellfish farming is a monoculture of T. philippinarum. A strict interpretation of the precautionary principle might suggest that more rigorous regulatory action to control copper inputs in the field would be justified.

Hepatic biomarkers of sediment-associated pollution in juvenile turbot, Scophthalmus maximus L

Hatchery-reared turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.) were exposed for 3 weeks, under laboratory conditions, to sediment collected from polluted sites in Cork Harbour and a reference site at Ballymacoda, Co. Cork, Ireland. The potential of surficial sediment for inducing hepatic biomarkers was assessed at two levels of biological organisation: expression of cytochrome P450 [Western blotting analysis and 7-ethoxy-resorufin O-dealkylase (EROD), 7-benzoxy resorufin O-dealkylase (BROD), 7-methoxy resorufin O-dealkylase (MROD), 7-pentoxy-resorufin O-dealkylase (PROD) activities] and DNA integrity (Comet assay). Positive controls were generated, either by exposing turbot to cadmium chloride-spiked seawater (Comet assay) or to beta-naphthaflavone by intraperitoneal injection (cytochrome P450 induction). The induction of cytochrome P450 activity (EROD, MROD and PROD) in animals following a 7-day exposure to contaminated sediments was significantly higher than those exposed to reference site sediment and remained elevated thereafter; BROD was not induced. DNA single-strand breaks were also significantly higher following exposure to contaminated sediments throughout the experiment. Although no direct correlation between induction of alkoxyresorufin O-dealkylase activities and a particular chemical class was established, the induction of MROD and PROD activities in fish exposed to sediments containing complex contaminant mixtures, appeared to be more sensitive than conventional EROD activity assays. We conclude from the present laboratory study that S. maximus is a suitable sentinel species for the assessment of moderately contaminated sediments and therefore allows for the further development of this model for future, ecologically relevant, field studies.

Induction of DNA strand breaks in the mussel (Mytilus trossulus) and clam (Protothaca staminea) following chronic field exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from the Exxon Valdez spill

In 2002, 13 years after the Exxon Valdez spill, mussels and clams were examined for lingering oil exposure and damage. Known oil patches were sampled at four locations, and compared to nearby reference areas (same bay), and were also compared to "hot reference" sites to verify the methods used (Cordova harbor and fresh diesel spill at Port Chalmers). Passive samplers deployed for a month at the sites, along with tissue samples, confirmed that the oiled sites were oiled (fingerprinting back to Exxon Valdez oil) and that reference sites were clean. The highest PAH loads were detected in sub-surface interstitial waters at oiled sites. Exposure at the surface was generally low level, and probably intermittent. DNA damage was assessed in blood cells using sensitive comet analyses. DNA strand breakage was detected in both mussels and clams, with the highest level of damage detected at "hot reference" sites of Cordova harbor and Port Chalmers. Bioavailability and DNA damage at the oiled sties was low, indicating there has been substantial progress in recovery from the spill 13 years before, yet low level bioavailability and damage were still detectable.

In vivo exposure to microcystins induces DNA damage in the haemocytes of the zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, as measured with the comet assay

The Comet assay was used to investigate the potential of the biotoxin microcystin (MC) to induce DNA damage in the freshwater zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha. Mussels maintained in the laboratory were fed daily, over a 21-day period, with one of four strains of the cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa. Three of the strains produced different profiles of MC toxin, while the fourth strain did not produce MCs. The mussels were sampled at 0, 7, 14, and 21 days by withdrawing haemocytes from their adductor muscle. In addition, a positive control was performed by exposing a subsample of the mussels to water containing cadmium chloride (CdCl(2)). Cell viability, measured with the Fluorescein Diacetate/Ethidium Bromide test, indicated that the MC concentrations, to which the mussels were exposed, were not cytotoxic to the haemocytes. The Comet assay performed on the haemocytes indicated that exposure to CdCl(2) produced a dose-responsive increase in DNA damage, demonstrating that mussel haemocytes were sensitive to DNA-damaging agents. DNA damage, measured as percentage tail DNA (%tDNA), was observed in mussels exposed to the three toxic Microcystis strains, but not in mussels exposed to the nontoxic strain. Toxin analysis of the cyanobacterial cultures confirmed that the three MC-producing strains exhibit different toxin profiles, with the two MC variants detected being MC-LF and MC-LR. Furthermore, the DNA damage that was observed appeared to be strain-specific, with high doses of MC-LF being associated with a higher level of genotoxicity than low concentrations of MC-LR. High levels of MC-LF also seemed to induce relatively more persistent DNA damage than small quantities of MC-LR. This study is the first to demonstrate that in vivo exposure to MC-producing strains of cyanobacteria induces DNA damage in the haemocytes of zebra mussels and confirms the sublethal toxicity of these toxins.

Comparative evaluation of the alkaline comet assay with the micronucleus test for genotoxicity monitoring using aquatic organisms

A comparative analysis between the in vivo comet assay and the in vivo micronucleus test (MNT) was carried out in three aquatic organisms suitable for genotoxicity monitoring, carp (Cyprinus carpio), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and clam (Spisula sachalinensis), using a direct-acting mutagen, N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), and an indirect mutagen, benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P). By optimizing the conditions for cell isolation, gill and liver (or digestive glands) were selected as test tissues of the comet assay for MNNG and B[a]P. The MNT employed the erythrocytes (or hemocytes), the most universal cell type for the assay. The analysis of DNA strand breaks using the comet assay and the micronucleus frequencies using the MNT revealed dose- and time-dependent increases between animals exposed to several concentrations of mutagens. But the statistical significance (P<0.05) obtained was higher by the comet assay than by the MNT. When the time profiles of genotoxic signals resulting from B[a]P exposure to carp were plotted representatively, clear distinctions between all concentrations were made in the comet assay, but not in the MNT. The correlation index defined in this study also showed a higher correlation between concentration and signal in the comet assay than in the MNT. It is suggested that the standardization of the comet assay is necessary for its methodological evaluation and use as a genotoxicity biomarker. We conclude that the comet assay has an excellent suitability for aquatic genotoxicity monitoring because of its high and reliable sensitivity.

A two-species biomarker model for the assessment of sediment toxicity in the marine and estuarine environment using the comet assay

Sediments frequently cause damage to biota due to the accumulation of toxic compounds and the bioavailability of sediment-associated contaminants. Damage can be assessed using biomarkers, such as the degree of genotoxic impact following in vivo exposure to contaminants. Genotoxic damage, expressed as single-strand DNA breaks, was measured in cells isolated from haemolymph/blood, gill and digestive gland/liver from the clam Tapes semidecussatus and turbot Scophthalmus maximus, using the single cell gel electrophoresis (Comet Assay). Both animals were exposed for three weeks to sediment samples collected from a polluted site and a 'clean' reference site. The level of DNA damage was assessed using an image analysis package and expressed as % tail DNA. Throughout the study, significant differences in DNA damage were recorded for each tissue type, in both species, between animals exposed to the two sediment samples. However, turbot appeared to be a more sensitive indicator species, because, due to lower background levels, they were able to detect a significant difference between reference site and background values. This suggests that turbot, rather than clams, are more suitable as a sentinel species for the assessment of genotoxic impact of low-level contamination in aquatic sediments and highlights the need for a two- or multi-species approach.

A test battery approach for the ecotoxicological evaluation of estuarine sediments

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the overall sensitivity and applicability of a number of bioassays representing multiple trophic levels, for the preliminary ecotoxicological screening (Tier I) of estuarine sediments. Chemical analyses were conducted on sediments from all sampling sites to assist in interpreting results. As sediment is an inherently complex, heterogeneous geological matrix, the toxicity associated with different exposure routes (solid, porewater and elutriate phases) was also assessed. A stimulatory response was detected following exposure of some sediment phases to both the Microtox and algal bioassays. Of the bioassays and endpoints employed in this study, the algal test was the most responsive to both elutriates and porewaters. Salinity controls, which corresponded to the salinity of the neat porewater samples, were found to have significant effects on the growth of the algae. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the inclusion of a salinity control in algal toxicity tests, the results of which emphasise the importance of incorporating appropriate controls in experimental design. While differential responses were observed, the site characterised as the most polluted on the basis of chemical analysis was consistently ranked the most toxic with all test species and all test phases. In terms of identifying appropriate Tier I screening tests for sediments, this study demonstrated both the Microtox and algal bioassays to be more sensitive than the bacterial enzyme assays and the invertebrate lethality assay employing Artemia salina. The findings of this study highlight that salinity effects and geophysical properties need to be taken into account when interpreting the results of the bioassays.

Monitoring DNA damage in indigenous blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) sampled from coastal sites in Denmark

Damage to DNA detected by use of the single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay was monitored in blue mussels, Mytilus edulis, sampled from coastal waters in Denmark. Mussels from five locations in Køge Bay, an area receiving wastewater from many industries and municipalities, were collected five times during 1999 and six times in 2001. In 1999, both gill cells and haemolymph cells were examined, and sediments were sampled on three dates from the same five locations. In the autumn of 1999, mussels were also collected at six reference sites without known pollution. Results showed a significantly higher level of DNA damage in gill cells compared with haemolymph cells. Because of this, only gill cells were sampled for the monitoring in 2001. Levels of DNA damage, expressed as tail moments, were significantly higher for the mussels in Køge Bay when compared with levels of DNA damage in mussels from the non-polluted coastal areas. No clear seasonal variation was demonstrated. Analysis of the correlation between chromium, nickel, cadmium and mercury in sediments and tail moments in haemolymph and gill cells from the five sites showed a statistically significant positive correlation between tail moments and chromium, nickel and cadmium (P<0.01). The overall conclusion was that the comet assay on blue mussels could be useful for screening of genotoxic pollution in marine waters.

Biomonitoring of the genotoxic potential of draining water from dredged sediments, using the comet and micronucleus tests on amphibian (Xenopus laevis) larvae and bacterial assays (Mutatox and Ames tests)

Management of contaminated dredged sediments is a matter of great human concern. The present investigation evaluates the genotoxic potential of aqueous extracts of five sediments from French channels (draining water from dredged sediments), using larvae of the frog Xenopus laevis. Two genotoxic endpoints were analyzed in larvae: clastogenic and/or aneugenic effects (micronucleus induction after 12 d of exposure) and DNA-strand breaking potency (comet assay after 1 and 12 d of exposure) in the circulating blood. Additionally, in vitro bacterial assays (Microtox and Ames tests) were carried out and the results were compared with those obtained with larvae. Physicochemical analyses were also taken into account. Analytical analyses highlighted in the five draining waters a heavy load of contaminants such as metals and hydrocarbons. The results obtained with the micronucleus test established the genotoxicity of three draining waters. The comet assay showed that all 5 draining waters were genotoxic after 1 d of exposure. Although 3 of them were still genotoxic after 12 d of exposure, DNA damage globally decreased between d 1 and 12. The comet assay can be considered as a genotoxicity-screening tool. Data indicate that both tests should be used in conjunction in Xenopus. Bacterial tests (Ames) revealed genotoxicity for only one draining water. The results confirm the relevance of the amphibian model and the need to resort to bioassays in vivo such as the Xenopus micronucleus and comet assays for evaluation of the ecotoxicological impact, an essential complement to the physicochemical data.

The mutagenic hazards of aquatic sediments: a review

Sediments are the sink for particle-sorbed contaminants in aquatic systems and can serve as a reservoir of toxic contaminants that continually threaten the health and viability of aquatic biota. This work is a comprehensive review of published studies that investigated the genotoxicity of sediments in rivers, lakes and marine habitats. The Salmonella mutagenicity test is the most frequently used assay and accounts for 41.1% of the available data. The Salmonella data revealed mutagenic potency values for sediment extracts (in revertants per gram dry weight) that spans over seven orders of magnitude from not detectable to highly potent (10(5) rev/g). Analyses of the Salmonella data (n=510) showed significant differences between rural, urban/industrial, and heavily contaminated (e.g., dump) sites assessed using TA98 and TA100 with S9 activation. Additional analyses showed a significant positive correlation between Salmonella mutagenic potency (TA98 and TA100 with S9) and PAH contamination (r2=0.19-0.68). The second and third most commonly used assays for the analysis of sediments and sediment extracts are the SOS Chromotest (9.2%) and the Mutatox assays (7.8%), respectively. These assays are frequently used for rapid initial screening of collected samples. A variety of other in vitro endpoints employing cultured fish and mammalian cells have been used to investigate sediment genotoxic activity. Endpoints investigated include sister chromatid exchange frequency, micronucleus frequency, chromosome aberration frequency, gene mutation at tk and hprt loci, unscheduled DNA synthesis, DNA adduct frequency, and DNA strand break frequency. More complex in vivo assays have documented a wide range of effects including neoplasms and preneoplastic lesions in fish and invertebrate exposed ex situ. Although costly and time consuming, these assays have provided definitive evidence linking sediment contamination and a variety of genotoxic and carcinogenic effects observed in situ.

Evaluation of genotoxicity of combined soil pollution by cadmium and imidacloprid

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the important pollutants of soil and the genotoxicity of Cd-contaminated soil was studied in combination with imidacloprid. The single cell gel electrophoresis or comet assay was used to quantify DNA strand breaks as a measure of DNA damage induced by Cd and imidacloprid contamination in soil. The soil was artificially contaminated by Cd (0.0, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 mg x kg(-1) dry soil) or Cd (0.0, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 mg x kg(-1) dry soil) and imidacloprid (0.5 mg x kg(-1) dry soil). Roots of Vicia faba were exposed to the contaminated soil for 2 h at 25 degrees C and were used in the comet assay. DNA damage was measured as the values of percentage of nuclei with tails, tail length, tail DNA, tail moment (TM), and Olive tail moment (OTM). DNA damages of root tips of Vicia faba increased after Cd treatment and there were dose-related increases in DNA damage measured as these parameters. However, the addition of imidacloprid further increased the DNA damage. These data confirmed the genotoxic effect of Cd to plants, and that the combined pollution with imidacloprid can enhance the genotoxicity of Cd.

An assessment of the pollutant status of surficial sediment in Cork Harbour in the South East of Ireland with particular reference to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Surface sediment from three polluted sites within Cork Harbour, Ireland, and from a relatively clean reference site were collected and analysed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), brominated flame retardants (BFRs), organotins (OTs), and heavy metals. PAHs were determined to be the most abundant class of contaminant. Concentrations of the sum (Sigma) of the 21 PAHs measured from the Harbour sites (2877.70 ng g(-1), 1000.7 ng g(-1) and 924.40 ng g(-1) dry weight respectively) were significantly higher than that of the sediment from the reference site (528.30 ng g(-1) dry weight). An inner harbour site, Douglas being the more contaminated of the three harbour sites. A similar pattern was observed with the other contaminants however, these compounds, with the exception of the heavy metals, all tended to be detected at concentrations on or below detection limits.

Implications of seasonal priming and reproductive activity on the interpretation of Comet assay data derived from the clam, Tapes semidecussatus Reeves 1864, exposed to contaminated sediments

We explore the use of the clam Tapes semidecussatus Reeves 1864 as an indicator for the presence of potentially genotoxic substances in estuarine sediments. The limitations associated with the interpretation of Comet assay data (expressed as % DNA in tail) in terms of clam reproductive state, size (age) and thermal exposure history following laboratory acclimation are discussed. Hatchery-reared clams, subjected to ambient temperature fluctuations during growth, were exposed in vivo under laboratory conditions for three weeks to sediment samples collected from a polluted site and a "clean" reference site. The DNA damage observed in haemocytes, gill and digestive gland cells was significantly higher in animals exposed to contaminated sediment compared to those exposed to sediment from the reference site. The extent of DNA damage recorded was not correlated with size (age). Spawning was not observed during the experiment. Nevertheless, clams with well-developed gonads showed a statistically higher degree of DNA damage in gill and digestive gland cells- but not haemocytes, demonstrating an increased sensitivity to potential genotoxic compounds, possibly caused by impaired DNA repair capacity due to reproductive activity. Furthermore, the degree of DNA damage in clams exposed to contaminated sediments was higher in autumn and winter compared to spring and summer, suggesting an effect of seasonal priming.

Genotoxicity of field-collected inter-tidal sediments from Cork Harbor, Ireland, to juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.) as measured by the Comet assay

The alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) or Comet assay was employed to test the potential of surficial sediment collected from Cork Harbor, Ireland, to induce DNA damage in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.) in a laboratory exposure experiment. Turbot were exposed for 21 days to field-collected sediment from Cork Harbor and from a relatively clean reference site at Ballymacoda and sampled at 0, 7, 14, and 21 days. As a positive control for the sediment exposure experiment, a subsample of the turbot was exposed to cadmium chloride-spiked seawater. DNA damage analysis was performed on epidermal, gill, spleen, liver, and whole blood cell preparations. Liver, gill, and blood were the most sensitive tissues while a lower level of damage was detected in the epidermis and spleen. The blood was determined to be a suitable predictor of DNA damage in the whole organism. Chemical analysis of the sediment indicated that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons formed the bulk of the contaminants, with the harbor sites having almost double the levels of those from the reference site. The data indicated that turbot exposed to sediments from Cork Harbor elicited a significant increase in DNA damage in comparison with those exposed to sediment from the reference site and that exposure to the contaminated sediments caused a multi-organ genotoxic response. Results from the study indicate a relationship between the presence of genotoxicants in sediment and DNA damage. This finding was encouraging with regard to the potential use of the Comet assay as part of a marine biomonitoring strategy.

Use of the comet assay for studying environmental genotoxicity: comparisons between visual and image analyses

In order to evaluate the applicability of different measurement parameters employed in the comet assay for analyzing environmental samples, fish hepatoma (RTH-149) cells were exposed to concentrations of the model genotoxic agent hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2); 1, 5, and 10 microM) and to five water samples from sites along the Kishon River, the most polluted river in Israel. DNA damage was scored in parallel by visual and computer-image (Viscomet) analyses using 12 different parameters. Each parameter exhibited a different profile of responses. The four visual parameters were highly sensitive to the lowest (1 microM) H(2)O(2) concentration (1.8-7.0-fold of the control). At 10 microM H(2)O(2) exposure, the visual parameter, percentage severe damage, showed the highest (40.3-fold) response while four other parameters, tail area, tail extent moment (Viscomet), mean actual tail length and cumulative tail length (visual analysis), also had substantially elevated responses (8-11-fold). We found that the DNA damage induced by field samples was similar in magnitude to the damage induced by 1 microM H(2)O(2), with only some of the parameters being highly sensitive to the damage. Only about one-half of the parameters could distinguish four significant levels of genotoxicity among the five sampling sites, while the remaining parameters detected only three levels. It is concluded that the choice of parameters for analyzing genotoxicity in ecotoxicological studies should be made in accordance with the characteristics of each parameter.