We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Performance of Metallothionein Biomarker from Sulcospira testudinaria to Assess Heavy Metal Pollution in the Brantas River Watershed, Indonesia
Summary
This study used metallothionein protein levels in the freshwater snail Sulcospira testudinaria as a biomarker to assess heavy metal pollution in the Brantas River watershed in Indonesia, demonstrating that metallothionein expression tracks metal exposure gradients across sampling sites.
Heavy metal pollution in freshwater ecosystems is a critical issue because it threatens the ecosystem as well as public health. Early detection of these pollutants is therefore essential, and biomarker analysis can be an ideal way to achieve this. Metallothionein (MT) protein is a widely-used molecular biomarker related to the physiological and biological changes which suitable bioindicators, like freshwater snails, undergo in stressful environments. The purpose of this research is to assess the relationship between the heavy metals lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) and MT levels in freshwater snails (Sulcospira testudinaria) in the Brantas River watershed. Heavy metals were assayed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, while MT levels were analysed using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Water quality parameters including temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), ammonia concentration, and phenol concentration were also measured. Samples were obtained from ten sampling sites at Brantas River watershed. The results indicated that Pb concentration ranged from 0.001 – 0.006 mg/l, Hg from 0.001 – 0.005 mg/l, and Cd from 0.005 - 0.03 mg/l, while MT concentration ranged from 0.40 - 0.80 ng/g. Relationship analysis between heavy metals and MT level in this study revealed the significant effect of Pb concentration on MT values in Sulcospira testudinaria. Therefore, MT in this snail is a potential biomarker for Pb contamination.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Early Detection of Heavy Metal Pollution with Biological Markers in Freshwater Clam (Corbicula javanica) in Maros River, Indonesia
Scientists found that freshwater clams can serve as early warning systems for dangerous heavy metals like lead and cadmium in rivers by producing special proteins called metallothioneins when exposed to these pollutants. The clams showed signs of metal poisoning within just one to five weeks, making them useful "canaries in the coal mine" for detecting water contamination before it reaches dangerous levels. This matters because heavy metals in water sources can eventually make their way into drinking water and food, potentially harming human health.
Transcriptional Responses as Biomarkers of General Toxicity: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on Metal-Exposed Bivalves
This meta-analysis found that metallothionein and heat shock protein 70 are the most reliable transcriptional biomarkers for detecting metal toxicity in bivalves, showing consistent upregulation across different metal types and concentrations. These biomarkers could improve environmental monitoring of metal contamination in aquatic ecosystems.
The use of green mussel as bioindicator of heavy metal pollution in Indonesia: a review
This review covers the use of Asian green mussel Perna viridis as a bioindicator of heavy metal pollution in Indonesian waters, summarizing studies on metal accumulation in mussel tissue relative to water quality and discussing implications for seafood safety.
Physiological impacts of microplastics, heavy metals, and metallothionein in milkfish (Chanos chanos) in Jakarta Bay, Indonesia
Researchers analyzed concentrations of microplastics, metallothionein, and heavy metals in milkfish (Chanos chanos) sampled from Jakarta Bay, Indonesia, to assess how anthropogenic activities contribute to combined microplastic and heavy metal contamination in commercially important coastal fish.
Contamination of Microplastics in the Gastropod Sulcospira sp. from Upstream of the Brantas River in Indonesia
This Indonesian study measured microplastic contamination in water and in the freshwater gastropod Sulcospira sp. collected from five sites along the upper Brantas River, finding microplastics present in both the water and the snails' bodies across all locations. Fragment-type plastics were most common, and land use near sampling sites appeared to influence contamination levels. Because these snails are part of local food webs — and in some regions are consumed by people — their contamination raises concerns about microplastic transfer up the food chain.