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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Shell structure and composition alterations in the limpet Lottia subrugosa along a contamination gradient in the Santos Estuary, Brazil

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Author(s):
Oliveira, Carolina Rocha Moreira [1] ; Castro, Leandro Mantovani de [2] ; Nazareth, Monick Alves da Cruz [3] ; Harayashiki, Cyntia Ayumi Yokota [1] ; Castro, Italo Braga [1]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed Sao Paulo IMAR UNIFESP, Inst Mar, Santos, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Estadual Paulista UNESP, Inst Biociencias, Sao Vicente - Brazil
[3] Univ Estado Rio De Janeiro UERJ, Inst Quim, Programa Posgrad Quim, Rio De Janeiro, RJ - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS; v. 115, AUG 2020.
Web of Science Citations: 2
Abstract

Molluscs have been widely used in biomonitoring of aquatic environments because they are highly sensitive to hazardous chemical substances and have the capacity to express the history of environmental changes in their shells. Mollusc shells have biomolecules playing an essential role in the biomineralization process, which are also susceptible to environmental stressors that promotes chemical and structural alterations. Thus, the present study evaluated structural and compositional shell changes in the limpet Lottia subrugosa along a spatial contamination gradient in Santos Estuary. Results showed that organisms collected in more contaminated sites presented shells more fragile, with a reduction of thickness in the prismatic layer associated with the enlargement of the periostracum layer. In addition, a significative reduction in the organic fraction amounts, including a decrease in protein content, was observed in shells of organisms from the most contaminated site. An opposite pattern was also observed at sites under the influence of lower contamination rates. Moreover, our results suggested that limpets inhabiting contaminated environments might be more vulnerable to predatory pressures due to the increase in shell fragility. The core set of endpoints tested in field conditions by the present study appears to be promising environmental assessment tools. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 15/25063-0 - Shell alterations in Lottia subrugosa as putative biomarker for multi-impacted coastal areas
Grantee:Ítalo Braga de Castro
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants