Seasonal Variation of Biochemical Biomarkers in Decapod Crustaces to Assess the Environmental Quality of the Perequê River Mangrove

Abstract

In the present study, the analysis of seasonal variations in biomarkers of neurotoxicity (Acetylcholinesterase) and the antioxidant system (catalase and glutathione-s-transferase) in the crustaceans Callinectes sapidus and Aratus pisonii collected in the mangrove of the Perequê river was carried out, to evaluate the environmental quality of this ecosystem. Collections were carried out in different seasons of the year. The tissues sampled were gills, hepatopancreas and nerve ganglion. The results indicated high levels of catalase and acetylcholinesterase mainly in autumn, in contrast, in this period there was a significant decrease in the enzyme glutathione-s-transferase, assuming a higher concentration of contaminants in this period. Furthermore, the results suggest possible signs of environmental degradation, which could cause damage to the health of local biota. In this way, the data presented in this study provide support to the scientific community regarding the health of the studied environment, and can assist in monitoring and managing the site.