Antioxidant response of the variegated scallop (Chlamys varia) under anthropogenic impact

The variegated scallop (Chlamys varia L.) is an important economic resource in the aquaculture sector in Spain. The aim of the present study was to determine the oxidative status of C. varia, exposed to anthropogenic activities in waters of the Mallorca Island (Western Mediterranean). Specimens were collected from two locations attending to a different degree of human impact. The first station located in the Arenal, a protected and non-polluted area, and the second site was situated inside the bay of Port d’Andratx, an intensively urbanized tourism-dedicated shore. Scallops of similar average size of 3.0 cm were collected and gills were obtained. All enzymatic activities - Superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and glutathione-S-transferase – showed significant higher values in Andratx when compared to the non-polluted area. The MDA and nitrite levels were also higher in C. varia from Andratx respect to the Arenal. In conclusion, Chlamys varia from the anthropogenic area is under oxidative stress as it was evidenced by increased antioxidant enzymes, nitrite and MDA levels respect to the non-polluted area.