Measure of Oxidative Stress and Neurotoxicity Biomarkers in Donax trunculus from the Gulf of Annaba (Algeria): Case of the Year 2012

Aims: The purpose of our study was to evaluate three biomarkers in an edible species, Donax trunculus (Mollusca, Bivalvia) associated with the environmental pollution in the Annaba gulf. The biomarkers selected were the antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT), the detoxifying enzyme glutathione S-transferase (GST) and the neurotoxicity marker acetylcholinesterase (AChE).
Place and Duration of Study: Samples were collected monthly in 2012 at two sites in the Annaba gulf (Northeast Algeria): El Battah a relatively clean site and Sidi Salem, a polluted site.
Methodology: Mollusc bivalves (D. trunculus) with the same shell length (25±1mm) were collected monthly from the two sampling sites, transferred to the laboratory and dissected the same day. The mantle was dissected and samples were prepared for biomarker analyses. The enzymes activities were determined by using standard methods.
Results: Biochemical data showed a significant inhibition of AChE activity and a significant increase in both CAT and GST activities in D. trunculus at the site of Sidi Salem compared to El Battah. These changes are discussed in relation to environmental factors and suggested an influence of site quality on the health of D. trunculus.
Conclusion: The measurements of biomarkers in D. trunculus reveals differences between the two sites in relation to their pollution state confirming previous reports. The site of Sidi Salem is more contaminated due to their proximity to different pollution sources. Moreover, the current study gives additional data on the pollution in the gulf of Annaba.