Protective effect of the Spirulina platensis against toxicity induced by Diuron exposure in Mytilus galloprovincialis

Diuron herbicide is widely used for weeds control in many kinds of cultivations. It reaches the waterbodies through various fate routes and can adversely threaten non-target organism. The current study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant activity of Spirulina as feed additive against the toxicity of Diuron concentrations (40 and 80 mu g/L) on the edible mollusk Mytilus galloprovincialis during seven days of exposure. Oxidative stress biomarkers were applied on mussel gills and digestive gland, investigating changes in enzymes activities such as catalase (CAT), Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and the Malondialdehyde level (MDA). The obtained results show that diuron altered oxidative stress biomarkers in both organs, gills and digestive gland. Performed principle component analysis (PCA) highlighted relationship between biomarkers involved in functional response. Spirulina platensis supplemented diet (1 mg/L), completely ameliorated diuron-induced oxidative stress in mussel tissues. Thus, Spirulina seems to be a promising microalgae and eco-friendly tool helping the health recovery of aquatic animals subjected to environmental stressors. Novelty statement This study provided recent and new data on the impact of Diuron in marine bivalve and the protective effect of Spirulina against Diuron-induced oxidative stress. The results of our study suggest that the antioxidant potential of Spirulina should be strongly candidate for the phytoremediation of Diuron-aquatic contaminated.