Mercury-induced Biochemical Changes in Perna viridis Exposed in Chronic Toxicity Test

Abstract

In the present study, the Asian green mussel, Perna viridis, was exposed to 50, 75, 113, 160 and 253 µg/L Hg concentrations under chronic toxicity for the assessment of biochemical biomarkers. Higher levels of glutathione S-transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and lower levels of protein, catalase (CAT) and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) were found. The values were found to be significant at P < 0.01. This study suggests that activity of metabolites and antioxidant enzymes was affected by heavy metal exposures and has a strong potential as indicator of heavy metal contamination. Further, it is evident from the linkage study, wherein acetylcholinesterase (AchE), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were observed to be the best biomarkers in biochemical studies in mercury pollution. Hence, the determination of oxidative stress biomarkers in P. viridis may serve as a convenient approach during pollution biomonitoring programs.

Keywords: Mercury, Perna viridis, oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species, pollution