Effect of Diesel Oil on Gill Enzymes of Energy Metabolism, Antioxidant Defense and Arginase of the Gastropod Nacella Concinna (Strebel 1908) from King George Island, Antarctica

Raising human impact and pollution in Antarctica has focused studies to verify possible biomarker for environmental monitoring. Nacella concinna is the most conspicuous macro invertebrate of the Antarctic intertidal zone. The diesel oil leakage of icebreaker Bahia Paradise reduced in 50% N. concinna populations near Palmer Scientific Station. The aim of this study was to verify the effect of diesel oil on activity of enzymes hexokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, citrate synthase, malate dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phoshate dehydrogenase, glutathione reductase, catalase, superoxide dismutase and arginase of Nacella concinna gills. Specimens collected in Keller Peninsula were maintained in mini aquariums containing 1% or 5% of diesel oil. The results showed that the enzymes arginase, phosphofructokinase and catalase are potential biomarkers for diesel oil pollution.