Assessment of the results of chemical analyses combined with the biological effects of organic pollution on mussels

9 pages, 1 figure, 4 tablesPolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls are widespread organic pollutants which cause concern mainly owing to their potential toxicity towards aquatic life. As they result principally from human activities, their presence is expected to be higher in the coastal areas of industrialised countries. A comprehensive study of the effects of these compounds on the xenobiotic metabolising system and the antioxidant defence mechanism of mussels has been carried out in four European regions. To this end, chemical analyses of organic pollutants were combined with the use of indicators of contaminant exposure, such as the increase in the mixed-function monooxygenase system, glutathione S-transferase, antioxidant enzymes, and effect indicators. Stress proteins in mussels were also included for an assessment of their adequacy in pollution monitoring as general parameters of stres