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2L - Immunotoxicity - genotoxicity - ED (WEP/128) Assessment of DNA damage in Mussels, Crabs, and Fish. Bjornstad, Anne1, Larsen, Bodil K.1, Bechmann, Renée K.1, Torgrimsen, Sigfryd1, Taban, Ingrid C.1, Andersen, Odd-Ketil1, 1 RF-Akvamiljo, Mekjarvik 12, 4070 Randaberg, Norway, Norway ABSTRACT- Increasing contaminant levels in the marine environment due to anthropogenic activities has lead to decreases in environmental conditions e.g diminishing water and sediment quality, which pose a potential threat to marine ecosystems. A part of an EU project, BEEP (Biological Effects of Environmental Pollutants), is to validate and develop suitable biomarkers for genotoxic effects of pollutants on marine fish and invertebrates. Comet assay (Singel-cell gel electrophoresis) and Alkaline Unwinding assay (using PicoGreen) were used to assess DNA damage in blue mussels (Mytilus edulis), shore crabs (Carcinus maenas), and wrasse (Symphodus melops) collected from various contaminated and clean field-sites along the Norwegian and Swedish West Coasts. Both assays employ the expression of DNA strand breaks by alkaline treatment to measure DNA damage. Haemocytes and sperm were analysed using the Comet assay, while haemocytes, hepatocytes, gill cells and digestive gland cells were used for analysis with PicoGreen. Both assays managed to discriminate the different field sites; with the greatest response shown in mussels, crabs and fish collected outside an old copper mine. Sensitivity of the assays and the different tissues used will be discussed, however the results indicate that both the Comet assay and Alkaline Unwinding assay could be used for biomonitoring of DNA damage in marine species. Key words: Mytilus edulis, DNA damage, Carcinus maenas, Symphodus melops |
