Copper effects on biomarkers associated with photosynthesis, oxidative status and calcification in the Brazilian coral Mussismilia harttii (Scleractinia, Mussidae)

Laura Fernandes de Barros Marangoni, Joseane Aparecida Marques, Gustavo Adolpho Santos Duarte, Cristiano Macedo Pereira, Emiliano Nicolas Calderon, Clovis Barreira e. Castro, Adalto Bianchini*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

49 Scopus citations

Abstract

Seawater contamination with metals, such as copper (Cu), is a notable local impact threatening coral reefs. Cu effects on biomarkers associated with photosynthesis, oxidative status and calcification were evaluated in the Brazilian coral Mussismilia harttii using a marine mesocosm facility. Polyps were kept under control conditions (1.9 μg L−1 Cu) or exposed to dissolved Cu (3.0, 4.8, and 6.7 μg L−1) for 12 days. Photochemical efficiency of the photosystem II of symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) was measured and polyps were analyzed for antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, and carbonic anhydrase Ca-ATPase, Mg-ATPase and (Ca,Mg)-ATPase activities after 12 days. Results highlighted the effects of Cu exposure, leading corals to an oxidative stress condition [increased total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and DNA damage] and a possible reduced calcification ability [decreased (Ca,Mg)-ATPase activity]. Therefore, biomarkers associated with oxidative status (TAC and DNA damage) and calcification [(Ca, Mg)-ATPase] are indicated as good predictors of corals health.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)248-257
Number of pages10
JournalMarine environmental research
Volume130
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017

Keywords

  • Biomarkers
  • Calcification
  • Copper
  • Coral
  • Ecotoxicology
  • Marine mesocosm
  • Mussismilia harttii
  • Oxidative stress

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oceanography
  • Aquatic Science
  • Pollution

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