Title of article :
SEDIMENT QUALITY OF THE ECOREGION ENGURE, GULF OF RIGA, ASSESSED BY USING ECOTOXICITY TESTS AND BIOMARKER RESPONSES
Author/Authors :
Putna, Ieva University of Latvia - Faculty of Biology, LATVIA , Putna, Ieva Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology, LATVIA , Strode, Evita University of Latvia - Faculty of Biology, LATVIA , Barda, Ieva Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology, LATVIA , Purina, Ingrida University of Latvia - Faculty of Biology, LATVIA , Purina, Ingrida Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology, LATVIA , Rimna, Elina University of Latvia - Faculty of Biology, LATVIA , Jansons, Mintauts Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology, LATVIA , Balode, Maija University of Latvia - Faculty of Biology, LATVIA , Balode, Maija Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology, LATVIA , Strake, Solvita Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology, LATVIA
Abstract :
The aim of this study was to assess sediment quality in the ecoregion Engure, western coast of the Gulf of Riga, by using sediment ecotoxicity tests with amphipods Monoporeia affinis and Pontogammarus robustoides and selected biomarkers (AChE, GST, GR, CAT, MT) measured in Macoma balthica, to represent different types of biological responses reacting to different stressors. Ecoregion Engure sediments are characterised by comparatively low concentrations of heavy metals, and the area could be considered as unpolluted. Ecotoxicity tests of ecoregion Engure sediments did not show statistically significant ( 20% mortality) toxic effects. Survival of test organisms ranged from 83 to 100% and revealed “good quality” of tested sediment. There were no established strong differences between the stations and years regarding biomarkers. The integrated biomarker response index indicated more stressful conditions in station Mçrsrags, while MT activity revealed heavy metal pollution in station Engure. In general, heavy metal concentrations, ecotoxicity tests and biomarker responses indicate that the ecoregion Engure is not markedly various and anthropogenically affected.
Keywords :
Gulf of Riga , biomarkers , ecotoxicity tests , molluscs , amphipods
