Chemical contamination in coastal areas alters shape, resistance and composition of carnivorous gastropod shells

• Published in: Chemosphere (Oxford) Vol. 307; p. 135926
• Main Authors: Gouveia, Nayara, Oliveira, Ana Julya L.A., Yokota Harayashiki, Cyntia Ayumi, Souza, Josiane Carneiro, Longo, Elson, Cano, Nilo F., Maltez, Heloisa França, Lourenço, Rafael André, Turpo-Huahuasoncco, Klinton V., Castro, Ítalo Braga
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-11-2022
• Subjects: Mollusc; Morphometry; Organic matrix; Pollution; Whelk; Whelk; Pollution; Organic matrix; Morphometry; Mollusc
• ISSN: 0045-6535; 1879-1298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135926

Morphological, structural and compositional alterations in shells of molluscs have been proposed as putative biomarkers of chemical contamination in coastal zones. Despite this, few studies were carried out using top predator gastropods which tend to be more susceptible to contamination exposure. Thus, the present study assessed disturbances on shells of Stramonita brasiliensis considering compression resistance and organic and mineralogical matrix composition, related to morphometric alterations. Results showed reductions in compression resistance and organic matrix content associated with higher contaminated sites. In addition, a predominance of calcite polymorphs was seen in shells obtained in polluted areas. Such outputs were consistent with local contamination levels which may have induced the observed alterations. Thus, changes in mollusc shells showed good performance as potential biomarkers of coastal contamination, being probably observed in other species of carnivorous gastropods around the world.
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•Contaminant levels were related to shell shape variations in Stramonita brasiliensis.•Shells composition and resistance was influenced by contamination gradient.•Calcite polymorphs was predominant in shells from polluted areas.•Observed shell alterations were probably induced by chemical contamination.•Shell alterations on carnivorous gastropods may be proposed as pollution biomarkers.