Table 3 Biomarkers used in the integrated monitoring approach proposed by ICES and the Regional Seas Conventions
Biomarker | Description | Responds to |
|---|---|---|
EROD activity | Biotransformation enzyme induced by planar hydrocarbon | PCBs, PAHs and dioxin-like compounds |
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity | Enzyme implicated in nervous transmission | Organophosphates, carbamates and similar molecules |
Vitellogenin (VTG) in male fish | A precursor of egg yolk, normally synthesized by female fish | estrogenic endocrine disrupting compounds |
Metallothionein (MT) | Metal scavenger implicated in protection against oxidative stress | Heavy metals and inducer of oxidative stress |
Amino-levulinic acid deshydratase (ALAD) | Enzyme implicated in amino-acid metabolism | Lead exposure |
Lysosomal stability | General health, lysosomes play a key role in liver injury caused by various xenobiotics | Several classes of pollutants, including PAH, inducer of oxidative stress, metals and organochlorines |
DNA adducts | Alteration of DNA structure able to disturb DNA function | Genotoxic compounds including PAHs and other synthetic organic compounds |
Imposex biomarkers (e.g. VDSI) in molluscs | Imposition of male sex characteristics on female molluscs | TBT |
PAH bile metabolites | PAH metabolites in bile/urine represent the final stage of the biotransformation process | Indirect indicator of PAH exposure |
Liver histopathology | General indication about liver damage but can be diagnostic depending on the type of lesion | PAHs |
Macroscopic liver neoplasms | Visible fish liver tumours | Cancer inducing substances; PAHs |
Externally visible fish diseases | Overall organism health External investigations of fish, significant changes indicate chronic stress | Several classes of pollutants and pathogens |
Intersex in fish | Presence of ovarian tissue in male fish gonads compromising reproductive capacity | estrogenic endocrine disrupting compounds |
Micronucleus | Damage to genetic material of organisms; could affect their health and potentially also their offspring. | Substances causing chromosomal aberrations (clastogens) |
Amphipod/fish embryo alterations | Embryo malformations (viviparous organisms) | Overall organism health; strong correlation observed between malformed embryos and concentrations of metals and organic compounds |
Stress proteins | Early stage effects, including oxidative stress | Responds to many types of stress factors |
Benthic diatom malformations | Malformations; overall organism health | Significant response to metals and several pesticides, but less to other priority substances |
Comet assay | Sensitive tool to detect genetic damage | Substances causing DNA strand breaks |
Mussel histopathology (gametogenesis) | Histological studies of, e.g. digestive gland and tube | Many groups of substances, including PAHs, PCBs and heavy metals |
Stress on stress | Survival in air | Many groups of substances, including crude oil, copper ions and PCBs |
Scope for Growth | Measures alterations in the energy available for growth and reproduction. | Many groups of substances, including di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), aromatics, pentachlorophenol (PCP), copper, TBT and dichlorvos |