Effects of estuarine sediment contamination on feeding and on key physiological functions of the polychaete Hediste diversicolor: Laboratory and in situ assays.

摘要: This study aimed at integrating postexposure feeding and some biochemical parameters in the responses of estuarine polychaeta, Hediste diversicolor, to controlled laboratory exposure conditions situ exposures scenario sediment contamination. Since H. diversicolor may be considered as a major rate-limiting step processing detritus European estuaries, reduction activity have implications not only individual population level species but also organic matter decomposition rates ecosystem level. The were chosen indicators four key physiological functions: neurotransmission, metabolic condition, detoxification processes antioxidant defences. Mira Sado located Southwest coast Portugal classified undisturbed impacted, respectively, selected sites for this study. A significant depression (from 30 70%) was consistently detected all impacted sediments, supporting sensitivity responsiveness sublethal toxicity endpoint. Alongside with reduced energy intake, an increased rate organisms' anaerobic metabolism, evidenced by enhancement lactate dehydrogenase (up 1.5-fold), suggested rapid need additional ameliorate chemical stress. Moreover, oxidative stress shown important mechanism sediments marked glutathione redox status 6.5-fold) increase lipid peroxides levels 2.3-fold) organisms exposed most sediments. Results assay, conducted assess ecological relevance estimates their application make valid field extrapolations, revealed lack agreement response catalase moderate Our results support utility sub-individual evaluate potential toxicant-induced changes functions interpret consequences.