SETAC Conference – Berlin 2012
Topic: A13 – Marine environmental chemistry and ecotoxicology
Presentation preference: Poster presentation
Title:
Metal exposure and associated effects in mussels: An integrated approach – hyphenated
analytical techniques and biomarkers
Authors:
Heike Helmholz2, Marijana Erk1, Daniel Pröfrock2, Željka Strižak1, Dušica Ivanković1,
Andreas Prange2
1
Ruđer Bošković Institute, Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Zagreb, Croatia
2
Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Institute for Coastal Research; Marine Bioanalytical
Chemistry, Geesthacht, Germany
Key words:
metal exposure, mussels, biomarker, hyphenated techniques
Abstract:
Aim of the study was the assessment of metal exposure in coastal areas under indirect or
direct influence of maritime activities and nautical tourism (port and marinas) using integrated
biological-chemical analytical approach and mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) as
bioindicator species.
Next to the natural sources, a large number of metals are present in the environment as a
result of human activities. Since the ban of organo-tin compounds, Cu is the main component
of anti-fouling paints, with the result that boat traffic is a major anthropogenic source of Cu in
the coastal aquatic environment. Besides, zinc oxide is generally used in combination with
Cu(I) as a booster. As a result of the leaching of chemicals from the painted surface,
concentrations of metals are significantly elevated in semi-enclosed marine systems, such as
harbours, marinas and estuaries, where the transport, berthing or docking of vessels is
extensive.
In this study we applied new methodological approach – investigation of metal distribution in
the cytosolic fractions of proteins separated by size exclusion chromatography (SEC-HPLC)
and detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Additionally, the
cellular energy allocation (CEA) methodology was applied as a general biomarker of
physiological status of mussels. Supplementary, a non-target bioanalytical approach utilizing
2D gel-electrophoresis will give hints for further potential protein biomarker. Thus, this study
represents a contemporary and new approach in quantification and assessment of the
environmental risk caused by metal exposure, as well as the potential toxic effect of metals on
mussels.
The study was performed on indigenous mussel populations sampled in the middle part of the
eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea at the locations of two ports, two marinas and a reference
(unpolluted) site. The results obtained from the sampling in March 2011 will be presented.
This study was performed within the scope of the DAAD project (Project-ID 50752021
Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst) during which scientific collaboration between the
research groups from Croatia and Germany was established.