First evidence of marine diesel effects on biomarker responses in the Icelandic scallops, Chlamys islandica.

The decrease of ice cover in polar areas is expected to lead to an increase in ship traffic. In this context, the risk associated with exposure of the aquatic environment to oil-related chemicals from spills and/or accidental fuel discharges from ships will increase in the near future, potentially causing negative impacts on sensitive Arctic species. This study investigated for the first time the biomarker responses of the Icelandic scallops (Chlamys islandica) to marine diesel exposure. Antioxidant response, neurotoxic effect, gonad maturation, and lipid content were assessed in male and female scallops, Chlamys islandica after a 7-day exposure to marine diesel. At the end of exposure, results showed an inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity in Icelandic scallops exposed to high concentration of diesel. At the end of exposure, results showed an increase in naphthalene residues in hemolymph, together with an inhibition of AChE activity in Icelandic scallops exposed to high concentration of diesel. In addition, alteration of the escape capacity was observed suggesting effects on behavior responses. Overall, this study contributes to the better knowledge of physiological effects of marine diesel in Arctic marine organisms.