Mollusc shell shape as pollution biomarkers: Which is the best biological model

Author(s)

Gouveia, Nayara ; Yokota Harayashiki, Cyntia Ayumi ; Marquez, Federico ; Lourenco, Rafael Andre ; Taniguchi, Satie ; Castro, Italo Braga

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Marine Pollution Bulletin; v. 179, p. 10-pg., 2022-04-21.

Abstract

Alterations in mollusc shells have been proposed contamination biomarkers. We used geometric morphometrics analyses associated with analytical determinations of contaminants to select suitable biological models among species widely distributed on coastal zones. The study was carried out using Lottia subrugosa (herbivore limpet), Crassostrea brasiliana (filter-feeder bivalve), and Stramonita brasiliensis (carnivore gastropod) obtained along a marked contamination gradient at Santos Estuarine System (Brazil). L. subrugosa and S. brasiliensis presented distinct shapes along the gradient, while no significant differences in shell form were seen for C. brasiliana. Indeed, limpets and snails presented morphometric parameters consistent with measured contamination levels hazardous substances. Based on cross-validation models, the reliability of morphometric responses was over 75% for the herbivore and carnivore species. In addition, for S. brasiliensis, a 95.2% confidence was detected in most contaminated sites. Therefore, shell alterations on carnivorous gastropods should be further investigated, seeking to be effectively employed as pollution biomarkers. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/08015-0 - Shell structural alterations and biochemical responses in limpets as biomarkers of environmental contamination
• Grantee: Cyntia Ayumi Yokota Harayashiki
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 16/18348-1 - Multi-User Equipment approved in grant 2015/17763-2: triple quadrupole gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC/MS/MS)
• Grantee: Márcia Caruso Bícego
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• 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