Detecting the effects of chronic metal exposure on benthic systems: Importance of biomarker and endpoint selection

Understanding metal toxicity to benthic systems is still an ecotoxicological priority and, although numerous biomarkers exist, a multi-biomarker and endpoint approach with sediment as the delivery matrix combined life-history relevant exposure timescales missing. Here we assess potential by measuring suite of endpoints after exposing ecologically important polychaete Alitta(Nereis)virens spiked environmentally concentrations copper zinc (and in combination) for 3, 6 9 months. We compared biomarker sensitivity providing guide select appropriate chosen time frame (exposure period) concentration (relevant Sediment Quality Guidelines) needed identify effects polychaetes such A. virens. Target bioavailable subsequent porewater reflect global contamination range, whilst tissue concentrations, elevated, were comparable other polychaetes. Survival reduced increased, but growth was not significantly different between treatments. Metabolic changes restricted significant reductions protein months across all lipid at high (3 months). Significant feeding behaviour increases metallothionein-like limited medium respectively, both exposure. Despite data highlighting virens′ tolerance, DNA damage are most sensitive biomarkers. Copper cause responses routinely found coastal sediments that characterised low contamination, suggesting reappraisal current input sources (especially copper) required.