Alterations in cellular structure of Mytilus edulis resulting from exposure to environmental contaminants under field and experimental conditions

Abstract

This study, undertaken at the GEEP Workshop, quantifies cell and tissue changes in mussels Mytilus edulis, exposed to diverse contaminants under field and experimental conditions, and correlates the changes with changing tissue levels of PAHs, PCBs and metals. The results indicate effects on reproductive tissues in mussels exposed to high levels of contaminants, both in the field and in the mesocosm experiment. High contaminant concentrations are also seen to induce the formation of pathologically enlarged secondary lysosomes in the digestive epithelium of mussels and to cause a disturbance in lipid levels, resulting in alterations in digestive cell architecture.