Biochemical indicators of pollution exposure in shorthorn sculpin (Myoxocephalus scorpius) caught in four Icelandic harbours

The shorthorn sculpin Myoxocephalus scorpius is a convenient species for monitoring pollution in northern coastal areas. In this study, a series of biomarkers was measured in sculpin collected from four Icelandic harbours differing in size, use and traffic. Eyrarbakki Harbour has been inactive for many years and was chosen as a control site. Njardvik Harbour is a small fishing harbour with a marina; Sandgerdi Harbour is a large fishing harbour; and Reykjavik Harbour is a large fishing harbour and an international transport harbour. Higher levels of DNA-adducts and cytochrome P4501A in fish from Sandgerdi, Njardvik and Reykjavik harbours compared to fish from Eyrarbakki Harbour indicate polycylic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure. This was confirmed by PAH analysis in bile. The higher activity of the antioxidant enzymes catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase in fish from Sandgerdi Harbour compared to fish from other harbours indicates the presence of prooxidative compounds in Sandgerdi Harbour.