Evaluation of environmental quality for the management of brackish wetlands: Use of bioindicators and biomarkers in the Pontine Lakes

The aim of this study was to investigate the quality of the waters of the Pontine lakes by evaluating the chemical stress status of several edible species. A series of chemical and biochemical tools was used to evaluate environmental impact of contaminants on several species of fish. The following fish were sampled in the lakes of Fogliano and Caprolace in the period 1994-1997: Chelon labrosus, Sparus aurata, Liza saliens, Liza aurata, Liza ramada, Mugil cephalus, Gobius niger and Soled vulgaris. Common contaminants (trace elements, chlorinated hydrocarbons) were assayed in the samples and a series of biomarkers (mixed function mono-oxygenases, esterases and porphyrins) were analysed. The somatic liver index was determined. The results show that trace element concentrations are below EEC statuary levels in edible parts. With regard to chlorinated hydrocarbons, some degree of contamination by PCBs was found. The MFO system activities showed differences between the two lakes and between different stations in a lake, confirming that this enzyme system is a good biomarker for evaluating chemical stress status of organisms in relation to environmental quality.