Physiological Impairment and Biochemical Modifications Induced by Triclosan in Mediterranean Mussels

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The use of physiological and biochemical biomarkers in studying the effects of endocrine disruptors on aquatic invertebrates have rarely been adopted by scientists despite their obvious advantage. Applying such tools is discernible in reducing health risks for humans commonly consuming seafood such as bivalves and crustaceans. The outcomes of the current work support the use of the Mediterranean mussels as bioindicators of the presence of triclosan in the environment, and validate the usefulness of biomarkers and physiological features in determining thresholds and government policies. ABSTRACT: The effects of pharmaceutical under aquatic biota are still not well established. In this investigation, we assessed the results of a common pharmaceutical’s, triclosan (TCS), treatment on physiological and biochemical status of the Mediterranean mussels. Filtration and respiration rates were statistically reduced after treatment with highest considered concentration TCS2 = 100 µg·L(−1). However, no modification (p > 0.05) was detected after treatment with TCS1 = 50 µg·L(−1). For biochemical responses, oxidative stress parameters including H(2)O(2) level and antioxidant enzymes were enhanced following concentration in considered organs. In parallel, Malondialdheyde content was measured in mussels after TCS treatment and lipid peroxidation occurred at high TCS concentration. Neurotoxicity evaluated by acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was induced in gills and digestive glands after exposure to TCS2. Overall, physiological impairment, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation and neurotoxicity could be induced by triclosan in mussels. The association of physiological and biochemical biomarkers constitute a useful tool to measure the impact of pharmaceuticals in marine organism.