Oxidative stress enzymes and mitochondrial bioenergetics in wild Liza saliens exposed to heavy metals

Abstract

The Esmoriz-Paramos coastal lagoon represents an ecosystem of great physical and ecological significance. However, as a result of industrial, agricultural and antropogenic activities this habitat has been progressively degrading over the last decades. The heavy metal contamination is an important factor to the decline of sediments quality and may adversely affect fish health. In the present work the leaping grey mullet Liza saliens was studied because it is the dominant endemic species in the lagoon. It is a filter feeder and also being a detritus-mud feeder, it is therefore exposed to contaminated sediments.