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Publication
Modelling metallothionein induction in the liver of sparus aurata exposed to metal-contaminated sediments
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Metallothionein (MT) in the liver of gilthead seabreams (Sparus aurata L., 1758) exposed to Sado estuary (Portugal) sediments was
quantified to assess the MT induction potential as a biomarker of sediment-based contamination by copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), lead
(Pb) and arsenic (As). Sediments were collected from two control sites and four sites with different levels of contamination. Sediment Cu,
Cd, Pb, As, total organic matter (TOM) and fine fraction (FF) levels were determined. Generalized linear models (GLM) allowed
integration of sediment parameters with liver Cu, Cd, Pb, As and MT concentrations. Although sediment metal levels were lower than
expected, we relate MT with liver Cd and also with interactions between liver and sediment Cu and between liver Cu and TOM. We
suggest integrating biomarkers and environmental parameters using statistical models such as GLM as a more sensitive and reliable
technique for sediment risk assessment than traditional isolated biomarker approaches.
Description
Keywords
Sparus aurata Metallothionein Biomarker Heavy metals Sado estuary Generalized linear models Sediment risk assessment