Lysosomal membrane stability and metallothionein content in Mytilus galloprovincialis (L.), as biomarkers. Combination with trace metal concentrations.

The simultaneous study of two biomarkers, the lysosomal membrane stability (LMS) of the digestive gland and the metallothionein (MT) content of the digestive gland, the gills and the mantle/gonad complex of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis was examined in an enclosed estuarine system in June and October 2001. Mussels were collected along the Gulf of Thermaikos (northern Greece) from stations displaying a pollution gradient, while Olympiada in the Gulf of Strymonikos was used as a reference station. In addition, the heavy metal (Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn) content, using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), were evaluated in the digestive gland, the gills and the mantle/gonad complex of mussels collected from the same sites and seasons. LMS values were significantly greater, and the MT content of the studied tissues were significantly less in mussels collected from the reference station compared to mussels from more polluted stations located in the Gulf of Thermaikos. Significant correlation was observed between the MT content of the gills and the mantle/gonad complex with the LMS values.