DNA-DAMAGE IN MARINE MUSSEL MYTILUS-GALLOPROVINCIALIS AS A BIOMARKER OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION

Primary DNA damage (single-strand breaks and crosslinks) was measured in haemolymph of mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis using alkaline filte r elution, and turned out to be a useful biomarker for genotoxic envir onmental contamination. Increased frequencies of single-strand breaks and DNA crosslinks in natural mussel populations under the influence o f urban and industrial wastes enable the classification of sampling si tes in the Rovinj area (Istrian coast, Northern Adriatic) according to the genotoxic impact on haemolymph DNA.