Sampling Site Specific Biomarker Responses in Mediterranean Mussels from the Adriatic Sea

This study aims to explore the spatial and temporal patterns in biomarker responses during early spring and late summer in Mytilus galloprovincialis using samples from two Adriatic Sea ecosystems between 2009 and 2012. The condition index was higher in September at all sampling sites and suggests that mussels can store energy during summer for wintertime spawning and survival through the winter. Over the entire study period, higher values of metallothioneins indicated sites with higher levels of heavy metals (Boka Kotorska Bay), while acetylcholine esterase activity was inhibited at the Gulf of Trieste. Genotoxicity was similar among sampling sites. We summarized biomarker responses in a stress index, IBRv2, and found that sampling sites in the Gulf of Trieste had lower stress levels while the highest stress levels were detected in the Boka Kotorska Bay.