STRESS ON STRESS-RESPONSE - A SIMPLE MONITORING TOOL IN THE ASSESSMENT OF A GENERAL STRESS SYNDROME IN MUSSELS

Data are reported demonstrating that short term exposure to sublethal concentrations (less than mu M) of pollutants, such as Cu2+, DMBA, Aro clor 1254, significantly reduced mussel capacity to survive in air. Th is effect was markedly dose-dependent, and was strongly increased by p ollutant mixtures. The results of this study indicate that the reducti on of survival in air, or stress on stress response, could be measured as an index of a general stress syndrome in mussels. This parameter s hows a sensitivity which is in the same range of other commonly used g eneral stress indices at the cellular level (i.e, lysosomal membrane s tability). Moreover, the methodology is simple, low in cost and does n ot require sophisticated equipment. Therefore, the stress on stress re sponse can be integrated in monitoring programmmes as a general stress index for the assessment of contaminated coastal areas.