Oxidative stress biomarkers in bivalves transplanted to the Guadalquivir estuary after Aznalcóllar spill.

Biological effects of metals were studied in clams (Scrobicularia plana) transplanted to Guadalquivir estuary (Spain) at several times after the spill of toxic metals from Aznalcóllar pyrite mine (southwest Spain) (April 1998) using biochemical biomarkers responsive to reactive oxygen species. Significant As, Cd, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Pb uptake was found in clams living for seven months at the estuary (from July 1999). Increased activity of antioxidant (catalase, glucose-6-phosphate, and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase) and glutathione-related (glutathione reductase and glyoxalase I and II) enzymes was also found after short exposures; the levels of malondialdehyde and metallothionein increased also, particularly with long exposures. Clams living four weeks at the estuary (from March 2000) but not at a reference site also accumulated metals. The higher malondialdehyde and lower reduced-glutathione levels and the more oxidized glutathione status confirmed the oxidative stress of clams living at the estuary, while no marked increase of antioxidant activities was found this time. Lower metal availability along the second transplant could explain the limited responses in this shorter experiment. Although the status of Guadalquivir estuary has recovered since Aznalcóllar spill, continuous monitoring is needed to confirm its progress and to be alert to possible deterioration after heavy rains.