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(19-25) Biomarkers of pesticide toxicity in the common limpet Patella vulgata. Browne, Mark1, Galloway, Tamara*,1, Brown, Rebecca1, Depledge, Michael1, 1 University of Plymouth, Plymouth, Devon ABSTRACT- The measurement of acetylcholinesterase activity as a biomarker of exposure to organophosphorous pesticides is well established in vertebrate populations, but less is known of its ecotoxicological relevance in aquatic invertebrate species. The aim of this work was to investigate the neurotoxic effects of pesticide exposure in the common limpet Patella vulgata using biochemical and physiological biomarkers. Adult P vulgata were exposed in the laboratory to chlorpyrifos in the range 0.01-10 microg per litre either acutely (24h)of chronically in pulsed exposures for up to 10 days. The activity of acetylcholinesterase and carboxylesterase in the haemolymph and body tissues was measured in microtitreplate format. Heart rate was determined using the CAPMON computer-aided non-invasive infrared detection system. Muscle function was determined by manually grading the tenacity of adherence to glass slides. P vulgata occupies intertidal rocky shores exposed to the full spectrum of wave action and optimum adherence to the rocky substrate is crucial for survival. The resulting correlation between target enzyme inhibition and physiological function illustrates how combinations of biomarkers can provide a holistic approach to studying the sublethal effects, general health and survival potential of impacted species. Key words: pesticide, biomarker, esterase, invertebrate |
