Measure of environmental stress biomarkers in Donax trunculus (Mollusca, Bivalvia) from the gulf of Annaba (Algeria)

The aim of our study was to test various biomarker responses in an edible mollusc, Donax trunculus (Mollusca, Bivalvia) associated with environmental pollution. The biomarkers selected were the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), the phase II detoxifying enzyme glutathione S transferase (GST) and the neurotoxicity marker acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Samples were collected monthly from two sites located over the gulf of Annaba (North-East of Algeria): the first site El Battah is far away from the sources of pollution while the second Sidi Salem is contaminated by various sources. The results demonstrated decrease in the activity of AChE in D. trunculus collected from Sidi Salem compared to that from El Battah site, while an increase was found in GST and CAT activity in Sidi Salem samples comparatively with those of El Battah. In conclusion, the overall results suggest that an alteration in the activity of AChE with an induction of GST and CAT activity during the observed period reflects the presence of certain prooxidative compounds that can lead to oxidative stress in Donax trunculus at Sidi Salem site.