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Digestive proteases of the lugworm (Arenicola marina) inhibited by Cu from contaminated sediments

Journal Article · · Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
;  [1]
  1. Univ. of Maine, Walpole, ME (United States). Darling Marine Center
The authors examined potential toxic effects of copper released from contaminated sediments during deposit feeding of the lugworm, Arenicola marina. Titration of Cu solution into gut fluids can result in decreases in protease activity if sufficient Cu is added. The effects of Cu on gut proteases were confirmed by incubation of gut fluids with Cu-contaminated harbor sediments. Monitoring of Cu titration into gut fluids shows that enzyme inhibition and quenching of gut protein fluorescence occur only when sufficient Cu has been added to allow inorganic Cu species to become abundant. This threshold level probably represents the exhaustion of strong binding sites that act as protection against enzyme inhibition. Thus, sediments contaminated with Cu may have inhibitory effects on digestive processes in lugworms.
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
675459
Journal Information:
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Journal Name: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 17; ISSN 0730-7268; ISSN ETOCDK
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English