ASSESSMENT OF TRACE ELEMENTS UPTAKE ON THE INVASIVE CRAB PORTUNUS SEGNIS HEPATOPANCREAS USING A MULTIVARIATE BIOCHEMICAL APPROACH

Abstract

In the current investigation, we evaluated the biological consequences of trace elements contamination in the two Tunisian gulfs (Gabes gulf and Tunis gulf) on the blue swimming crabs hepatopancreas (Portunus segnis). The concentrations of three trace elements (cadmium, copper, and lead) in the hepatopancreas P.segnis were evaluated. Additionally, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), metallothioneins (MTs), hydroxide peroxidase (H2O2) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) levels, were chosen as measurements to evaluate the environmental effects on the two crabs’ populations from different gulfs. Macromolecular (lipids, proteins, and DNA) were also determined in P.segnis hepatopancreas. The results of trace elements bioaccumulation in soft P. segnis hepatopancreas showed a high pollution in the Gabes gulf as evidence by significant accumulation of cadmium, cooper, and lead. These findings were confirmed by significant increases of metal pollution index (MPI) and metallothioneins (MTs) levels in the hepatopancreas of P. segnis from Gabes gulf than these from Tunis gulf. Consequently, the trace elements accumulation in P.segnis from Gabes gulf conduct to the generation of lipid peroxidation processes as documented by the high levels of H2O2and LOOH. A significant decrease of AChE activity was recorded in crabs collected from Gabes gulf as compared to these from Tunis gulf. The present study revealed depletion of proteins and lipids contents, while DNA showed significant degradation on crab hepatopancreas collected from Gabes gulf comparing to Tunis gulf. These evidences must be taken in consideration when using P. segnis as an ecological indicator species in the biomonitoring programs.