The introduction of waste containing heavy metals into the marine environment has been increasing for the past few decades, yet there are still several pending questions regarding how it impacts aquatic fauna. This study compared the effects of zinc exposure in its ionic- and nanoparticle forms on the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis and sampled at different time-points. Zinc accumulation was observable after one week. Exposure to 100 μg L-1 of either form for 28 days also resulted in the higher depletion of fatty acids, lipid peroxidation products accumulation, and changes in the fatty acid profiles. This was also observed for lower concentrations, although to a smaller extent. Given the importance of fatty acids in the marine trophic chains, these zinc-induced alterations have significant potential of introducing negative impacts on the ecosystem and ultimately on human nutrition. Finally, we show that fatty acids may be used as efficient biomarkers of zinc-induced stress.
Keywords: Fatty acids; Heavy metal toxicity; Lipid peroxidation; Mytilus galloprovincialis; Nanotoxicity; Zinc.
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