Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of copper on the bivalve Perumytilus purpuratus. The individuals were exposed to three copper concentrations: 1, 30 and 45 mu g L-1 for 24, 48 and 96 h. Lysosomal membrane stability in hemocytes was determined through the neutral red retention time (NRRT) and micronucleus (MN) frequency tests in hemocytes and gills. The results show that the NRRT decreased significantly at 30 mu g L-1 after 48 h of exposure. The frequency of MN was significantly greater in gills after 24 h in all concentrations tested. Copper is cytotoxic from 30 mu g L-1 and genotoxic from 1 mu g L-1. The use of these biomarkers of effects in P. purpuratus is proposed as an early warning tool for monitoring in environmental assessment of coastal ecosystems impacted by mining activities.