Biochemical indicators of pollution exposure in shorthorn sculpin (Myoxocephalus scorpius), caught in four harbours on the southwest coast of Iceland

Shorthorn sculpins (Myoxocephalus scorpius) were caught in four Icelandic harbours, differing in size, use and traffic. Biochemical responses in liver were measured and chemicals analysed in bile. Eyrarbakki harbour, which has not been in use for many years was chosen as a control site. Njarovik harbour is a small fishing harbour and a marina, Sandgeroi harbour is a large fishing harbour, and Reykjavik harbour is a large fishing harbour and an international transport harbour. Higher levels of DNA-adducts and cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) in the fish from the harbours in Sandgeroi, Njarovik and Reykjavik, compared to Eyrarbakki harbour, indicate PAH exposure. This was confirmed by PAH analysis in bile. The higher activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) in fish caught in Sandgeroi; than in fish caught in the other harbours. indicate exposure of sculpin to prooxidative compounds in Sandgeroi harbour. Shorthorn sculpin seems to be a convenient species for monitoring pollution in northern coastal areas. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.