Biomarkers. 1998;3(4-5):305-15. doi: 10.1080/135475098231110.
A single aspect of the toxic impact of a dredged material disposal site located near a mussel-farming zone was followed for eight months. Acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE) of Mytilus edulis was investigated as a biomarker for possible contamination by neurotoxic compounds (carbamates and/or organophosphorous pesticides). Our observations showed that the enzymatic activities (including AChE) of these harbour mussels were decreased in sites directly and indirectly influenced (according to hydrodynamic conditions) by the dumping of dredged sediments, suggesting possible contamination by pesticides. The strong correlations observed between AChE activity and growth parameters (length and weight) seems to show, however, that the enzyme activity is also indirectly controlled through growth restriction, which may imply limitation of the development of the nervous system in juveniles. The concentration of total proteins, as well as the spawning process also seem to disturb the assessment of AChE activity. These field observations clearly indicate that the use of this enzyme activity as a biomarker should proceed with caution. For example, the seasonal variability of such activity should be taken into account in a biomonitoring programme.
对一个位于贻贝养殖场附近的疏浚物处理场的单一毒性影响方面进行了为期八个月的跟踪研究。贻贝（Mytilus edulis）体内的乙酰胆碱酯酶（AChE）活性被用作可能受到神经毒性化合物（氨基甲酸酯类和/或有机磷农药）污染的生物标志物。我们的观察结果表明，根据水动力条件，直接和间接受到疏浚沉积物倾倒影响的这些贻贝养殖场中，这些贻贝的酶活性（包括 AChE）下降，表明可能受到农药污染。然而，AChE 活性与生长参数（长度和重量）之间的强相关性表明，酶活性也受到生长限制的间接控制，这可能意味着青少年神经系统的发育受到限制。总蛋白浓度以及产卵过程似乎也干扰了 AChE 活性的评估。这些现场观察结果清楚地表明，在使用这种酶活性作为生物标志物时应谨慎行事。例如，在生物监测计划中应考虑这种活性的季节性变化。
