Coastal Pollution monitoring in Argentina using Imposex occurrence in marine gastropods.

PENCHASZADEH, P.E.; BIGATTI, G.; AVERBUJ, A. & CLEDON, M.

Sao Paulo, Brasil.

Congreso; V CONGRESO LATINOAMERICANO DE MALACOLOGIA,.; 2002

Universidade Sao Paulo

SUMMARY Imposex is a widespread phenomenon in marine gastropods and more than 120 species are up to date recorded. Its occurrence is explained by the presence of TBT (tributyltin) from antifouling paints, and the presence is associated with heavy marine traffic. Concentrations of about 0.5 ng/l can induce imposex in meso and neogastropoda. Imposex was demonstrated for four snails from the SW Atlantic coast. Two near the Locality of  Mar del Plata (Buenos Aires Province) and two in Puerto Madryn (Patagonia). Buccinanops monilifer and Adelomelon brasiliana were studied in Mar del Plata, with an imposex percentage of 85.7 for the first and between 0 and 100 % for the second. In Patagonian species, Buccinanops globulosus registered 100% of imposex, and Odontocymbiola magellanica registered between 35% and 100% imposex depending on the zone; in zones with heaviest marine traffic the percentage was higher. All the observations were confirmed by histological sections observed under the microscope. Keywords: imposex, pollution, shallow waters, mollusks, Argentina.