Are tolerance processes limiting the responses of Hediste diversicolor to cadmium exposure? A multimarker approach

• DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2022.106300
• Publication Date: 2022-09-18T05:14:09Z
• Authors: Carmen A. Pedro; Catarina S. Bruno; Monique S. Sarly; Gabriela Meireles; Ariana Moutinho; Sara C. Novais; João C. Marques; Sílvia C. Gonçalves
• Keywords: Bioindicator; Ecotoxicity

Cadmium (Cd) is considered a priority hazardous substance under the European Community Directive 2013/39 due to its ecotoxicity. The ragworm Hediste diversicolor (O.F. Müller, 1776), common species in estuaries and coastal lagoons, plays an important ecological role these ecosystems suitable bioindicator of environmental chemical contamination. In this study, H. was chosen as ecotoxicological model with aim evaluating responses Cd contamination, considering multi-biomarker approach (mortality, biometry, behaviour, bioaccumulation, oxidative stress damage, energy metabolism). Also, hypothesis different tolerances resulting evaluated, by collecting worms from three systems distinctly impacted metal contamination (Mondego estuary, Óbidos Lagoon Sado estuary - Portugal). Animals were exposed laboratory conditions cadmium (10, 50 100 µg/L), for 10 days. Significant differences observed amongst originating sites. Organisms less revealed greater effects on mortality, biomass decrease burrowing well higher bioaccumulation potential, after exposure Cd. Biochemical behaviour impairments consequence exposure, although not concentration-dependant manner. results obtained study reinforce importance integrating endpoint responses, at individual sub-individual levels, assess potential changes induced pollutants physiological status fitness help predict what their consequences might be.