The use of biomarkers for assessing the effects of organic pollution in mussels.

Wild mussels were collected from two stations with different pollution loads. Soft tissues were analyzed for their aromatic hydrocarbon and polychlorinated biphenyl content. Mixed function oxidase (MFO) system components and antioxidant defenses (catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) were determined in digestive gland microsomal and cytosolic fractions, respectively, and the magnitude of biochemical responses related with pollutant tissue levels. Results showed that significant differences existed in hydrocarbon content between mussels from the two stations, while a smaller difference in the biological response was detected.