Using environmental proteomics to assess pollutant response of Carcinus maenas along the Tunisian coast.

Biochemical responses to pollutants were studied at four Tunisia littoral sites using Carcinus maenas as a bioindicator. Proteomic analysis was used to assess the global impact of complex pollution mixtures, and to provide new biomarkers and basic insights into pollutant toxicity. Metal contents and metallothionein levels followed a gradient based on sampling sites: Bizerte ≫ Teboulba > Gargour~Mahres.

Integrated assessment of biochemical responses in Mediterranean crab (Carcinus maenas) collected from Monastir Bay, Tunisia.

The biochemical response of Mediteranean Crab (Carcinus maenas) collected at five stations of Monastir Bay and from Kuriat station as control was studied using a set of complementary biomarkers. The catalase, glutathione S-transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, acetycholinesterase activities; and metallothionein and malonediladehyde levels in gills were evaluated. Results revealed differences among sites in relation to each specific biomarker.

Acute effects of chlorpyryphos-ethyl and secondary treated effluents on acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activities in Carcinus maenas.

The acute effects of commercial formulation of chlorpyrifos-ethyl (Dursban) and the secondary treated industrial/urban effluent (STIUE) exposure on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activities in hepatopancreas and gills of Mediterranean crab Carcinus maenas were investigated. After 2 d of exposure to chlorpyriphos-ethyl, the AChE activity was inhibited in both organs at concentrations of 3.12 and 7.

Seasonal variation of oxidative stress biomarkers in clams Ruditapes decussatus sampled from Tunisian coastal areas.

Seven (7) sites from to the Tunisian coastal area were monitored through four seasons using several oxidative stress biomarkers including lipid peroxidation. Catalase (CAT) specific activity was determined in clam Ruditapes decussatus digestive gland. Lipid peroxidation was assessed in the same tissues using malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, neutral lipid (NL) and lipofuscin accumulation.