The burrowing crab Neohelice granulata as potential bioindicator of heavy metals in estuarine systems of the Atlantic coast of Argentina

Beltrame, María Ornela; Marco, Silvia G. De; Marcovecchio, Jorge Eduardo

doi:10.1007/s10661-010-1341-7

Cited by 26 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 37 publications

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“…In the mudflats of the Mar Chiquita coastal lagoon, adult males of N. granulata prefer to feed during submersion periods but can also can eat sediments during emersion periods while the soil remains wet (Bas et al, 2014). Furthermore, they can tolerate high concentrations of zinc, copper, and manganese, which accumulate in the hepatopancreas (Beltrame et al, 2010(Beltrame et al, , 2011. Taking into account these facts, it was of interest to evaluate the effect of varying concentrations of NaCl and of several ions on partial purified amylolytic activity, This activity was not affected by high NaCl concentrations within 0.5-1.5 M, and it was maintained at values of about 50% and 30% of the maximal activity even in the presence of 2-3 M and 4 M NaCl, respectively.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Amylase in the hepatopancreas of a euryhaline burrowingcrab: characteristics and modulation

Asaro¹,

Paggi²,

Castro³

et al. 2017

Turk J Zool

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In spite of its inherent physiological importance, studies on the occurrence, characteristics, and modulation of amylase in euryhaline crabs are lacking. We investigated the occurrence of amylase forms and the effect of acclimation to different salinities on their number and made a partial purification and characterization of the major form present in the hepatopancreas of Neohelice granulata. Zymogram analysis revealed 5 amylase forms in crabs acclimated to 35 psu (seawater) and 37 psu, and an additional band at 10 psu, but with a major form (29 kDa) in all cases, which was partially purified and characterized. Amylolytic activity was maximal between 30 and 40 °C; maintained at high NaCl concentrations (up to 4 M); increased by 5 mM K + , Li + , Co 2+ , and Mg 2+ (36%-45%); inhibited by Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ , Cd 2+ , Fe 2+ , and Mn 2+ (92.4% and 23.7%); not affected by Ni 2+ or Ba 2+ ; and enhanced almost 100% by Ca 2+ . Amylase exhibited Michaelis-Menten kinetics (starch: K m = 1.24 mg mL -1 ; glycogen: K m = 16.19 mg mL -1 ). The potential physiological significance and relationship to habitat conditions of the extra form in low salinity and the biochemical characteristics of the partially purified amylolytic activity (halotolerant, differential sensitivity to ions, capability to hydrolyze starch and glycogen) are discussed.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Amylase in the hepatopancreas of a euryhaline burrowingcrab: characteristics and modulation

Asaro¹,

Paggi²,

Castro³

et al. 2017

Turk J Zool

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“…Previous studies in soft tissues of N. granulata from CP did present sex differences for Cu but not for Cd, with levels in male crabs being significantly greater than in female crabs (Ferrer 2001). Meanwhile, Beltrame et al (2011) did not find sex differences for any of the three metals in hepatopancreas of N. granulata from Mar Chiquita Coastal Lagoon in the northern coast of Buenos Aires Province (Argentina). Cu is an essential metal for decapods crustaceans because they are an integral part of the respiratory pigment haemocyanin (Rainbow 1997).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 64%

Heavy-Metal Concentrations in Soft Tissues of the Burrowing Crab Neohelice granulata in Bahía Blanca Estuary, Argentina

Simonetti

Botté

Fiori

et al. 2011

Arch Environ Contam Toxicol

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Copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) in soft tissues of male and female burrowing crab Neohelice granulate, as well as their eggs, were measured in two different locations in the Bahía Blanca estuary, a moderately polluted ecosystem, from October 2008 to August 2009. Differences between sexes, sites, and seasonality were assessed. Furthermore, metal levels in eggs were compared with metal levels in female crabs. The results showed no significant differences for Cu and Cd between sexes (Student t test p > 0.25 for both sites) and sites (two-way analysis of variance: Cu p = 0.82 and Cd p = 0.29). Nevertheless, seasonality was found, with winter having significantly lower concentrations for both metals. The range of Cu concentrations was between 96.92 and 152.18 μg g(-1) dry weight (dw), and the range of Cd concentrations was between 6.09 and 10.41 μg g(-1) dw. Cr concentrations could not be assessed because most of the values were lower than the detection limit. Although heavy metals in sediments were not measured in this study, a bioaccumulation process may be occurring for Cd because levels found during the entire sampling period were greater than levels in sediment from previous years. For Cu, a regulation process may be occurring considering that this is an essential metal and levels of Cu in N. granulata found in this study were between 1 and 2 orders of magnitude greater than levels in sediments. Finally, Cu and Cd levels in eggs were detectable, but they were lower than levels in female crabs. The importance of these findings is linked to the fact that metal accumulation seems to be occurring before hatch. The presence of heavy metals in soft tissues as well as in eggs of N. granulata is of great importance considering that this is a key species within the Bahía Blanca estuary; therefore, it plays a major role in the transference of pollutants to greater trophic levels.

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“…Possibly the most threatened sector is the Bahía Blanca estuary, where industries are important sources of persistent organochlorine pesticides, hydrocarbons, and heavy metals (Marcovecchio et al 1988, Botté et al 2008, Arias et al 2011). Crabs, the key prey of Olrog’s Gulls on their breeding grounds (Delhey et al 2001b, Suárez et al 2011), accumulate heavy metals and organochlorine pesticides and play an important role in the transfer of persistent pollutants to higher trophic levels (Menone et al 2004, Beltrame et al 2011, Simonetti et al 2012). Mercury concentrations in Olrog’s Gulls breeding at the Isla del Puerto colony were 2–17 μg.g -1 (La Sala et al 2011), which fall within the range considered toxic to birds (Burger and Gochfeld 2002).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Current status of the threatened Olrog’s GullLarus atlanticus: global population, breeding distribution and threats

Yorio

Petracci

Borboroglu

2013

Bird Conservation International

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SummaryOlrog’s Gull Larus atlanticus breeds only in Argentina and is currently categorized as “Vulnerable”. Knowledge of the location of colonies and an updated understanding of human activities that may impact their breeding populations are crucial to the development of adequate conservation and management actions. In this paper we update the breeding distribution and abundance of Olrog’s Gull, using information from three aerial surveys (2004, 2007 and 2009) in its main breeding area, Buenos Aires Province, complemented by additional nest counts in southern Chubut Province, covering its entire breeding range. We also provide an updated and more detailed account of threats faced by Olrog’s Gulls at their nesting grounds, and summarise progress made towards their protection. The number of breeding sites was 7–12 per year, with locations differing among years. Five previously unrecorded breeding locations were identified. Colony size ranged from 5 to 3,540 breeding pairs, with the total breeding population 4,860–7,790 pairs, 98% of which nest in southern Buenos Aires Province. The main threats faced by breeding Olrog’s Gulls include coastal development, pollution, sport fishing and unregulated tourism and recreational activities. Recent strengthening of the protected area system in Argentina has resulted in all known breeding sites, with the exception of Isla Brightman, falling within protected areas. We need comprehensive, simultaneous surveys to track global population trends. Despite enhanced protection of Olrog’s Gull breeding populations, efforts are still needed to ensure that guidelines for their protection are included in management plans and that these are implemented effectively.

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The burrowing crab Neohelice granulata as potential bioindicator of heavy metals in estuarine systems of the Atlantic coast of Argentina

Cited by 26 publications

References 37 publications

Amylase in the hepatopancreas of a euryhaline burrowingcrab: characteristics and modulation

Amylase in the hepatopancreas of a euryhaline burrowingcrab: characteristics and modulation

Heavy-Metal Concentrations in Soft Tissues of the Burrowing Crab Neohelice granulata in Bahía Blanca Estuary, Argentina

Current status of the threatened Olrog’s GullLarus atlanticus: global population, breeding distribution and threats

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