Genotoxicity biomarkers and acetylcholinesterase activity in natural populations of Mytilus galloprovincialis along a pollution gradient in the Gulf of Oristano (Sardinia, western Mediterranean)

Abstract A year-round biomonitoring study on blue mussels ( Mytilus galloprovincialis ) was carried out in 4 selected sites along the Gulf of Oristano (Sardinia, Italy): a commercial port ( Port ), the outlet of the S'Ena Arrubia and Marceddi lagoons (in the catchment area of intensive agricultural and diary activities, and abandoned mining), and a reference site ( North ). Heavy metal concentrations in sediments from Marceddi were 2–3 to 10–20 times higher in Pb, Cd and Zn, respectively, than those found at North and S'Ena Arrubia . Higher values ( P Marceddi and Port compared to those detected in mussels from North and S'Ena Arrubia . DNA damage in animals from North was significantly lower than that at the other sites. Results of acetylcholinesterase inhibition consistently showed the strongest effects in mussels from Port and Marceddi . Our results suggest that these biomarkers can be used in coastal marine biomonitoring as early signals of exposure and adverse effects along a pollution gradient.