BIOMARKERS OF EXPOSURE AND EFFECT IN FLOUNDER (PLATICHTHYS FLESUS) EXPOSED TO SEDIMENTS OF THE ADRIATIC SEA

The modifications of several biomarkers were investigated in flounder (Platichthys flesus) when exposed in the laboratory to sediment samples collected from the Northern Adriatic Sea. Besides clean sand used as a control substrate, fish were exposed to sediments sampled offshore the delta of the Po River, the harbour of Trieste, and from the industrial harbour of Venice (Porto Marghera). After six days of exposure, the enzyme activities ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), UDP glucuronyltransferase (UDPGT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), were assayed in fish liver. In addition, the contents of reduced glutathione (GSH), nonprotein thiols (SH), total sugars and extractable lipids were also determined in hepatic tissue, as well as the number of micronucleated hepatocytes and biliary concentrations of fluorescent aromatic compounds (FAC). Despite some variability within treatment groups, differences among exposed organisms were evident and consistent with known contaminant levels of sampled areas. Microsomal activities (EROD, UDPGT) and FAC levels were the most sensitive exposure indicators. Variations in the other biomarkers showed only tendencies which although not statistically significant were generally consistent with the contamination pattern.