The role of biomarkers in environmental assessment (5). Invertebrate populations and communities

Abstract

Although a number of biomarkers of pollutant exposure have been identified in invertebrate species, direct linkage with changes at population and/or community levels are poorly documented and, despite the ecological importance of invertebrates, there is no conclusive evidence that individual measurements of biochemical parameters may allow the effects of pollutants on populations and communities to be predicted. Among the various biochemical parameters used as biomarkers in invertebrates exposed to pollutants in the field, only those for which changes at population or community level can be suggested are discussed in the present review. At population and community levels, the development of resistance to pesticides and changes in behaviour, reproduction and development are analysed as putative consequences of biochemical and physiological alterations. Limits to the use of biochemical parameters as biomarkers of invertebrate exposure to pollutants are discussed. Future research trends and experimental approaches to the validation of invertebrate biomarkers in environmental pollution assessment are suggested.

Cholinesterase and glutathione‐S‐transferase activities in freshwater invertebrates as biomarkers to assess pesticide contamination

“…Their activity can be enhanced in response to xenobiotics, making them a potentially suitable candidate as a stress-specific indicator of organic xenobiotic pollution [51]. Few studies have been conducted using GST on freshwater invertebrates to assess contamination by pesticides.…”

“…Lagadic et al [51] pointed out that biotransformation activity and its responsiveness to organic xenobiotics is usually lower in invertebrates and further research needs to be done in order to fully understand biological significance of detoxification enzyme responses to pollutants.…”

13th Meeting of the Scientific Group on Methodologies for the Safety Evaluation of Chemicals (SGOMSEC): alternative testing methodologies for ecotoxicity.

“…Also, a more ecological approach will draw attention to particular life stages that may be especially vulnerable to the effects of specific pollutants. There is continuing concern over the differences in susceptibility between wild species and laboratory strains, even when they are of the same, or closely related species (54 (59,60). This is not the case for fish or mammal species traditionally used in biomonitoring programs.…”

“…Recent studies of the effect of endocrine disruptors on aquatic invertebrates have provided evidence to support the existence of causal links between organismal responses and changes at population or community levels (1). Mechanistic linkage between effects at different levels of biological organization has also been achieved using the freshwater amphipod Gammarus pulex in which changes in physiological energetics have been linked to community function that may be indicative for changes in community structure (60).…”

Heavy Metal Pollution as a Biodiversity Threat

“…However, due to the complexity of species interactions, such effects cannot be accurately predicted from effects at the population level, as was recognized many years ago [8][9][10].…”