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Acta Adriatica, Vol. 49 No. 2, 2008.

Original scientific paper

Imposex incidence in Hexaplex trunculus from Kaštela Bay, Adriatic Sea

Nika STAGLIČIĆ ; Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Šet. I. Meštrovića 63,
Mark PRIME ; School of Ocean Science, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, Wales, LL59 5AB, UK
Marijana ZOKO ; Centre for Marine Studies, University of Split, Livanjska 5/III, 21 000 Split, Croatia
Željka ERAK ; Centre for Marine Studies, University of Split, Livanjska 5/III, 21 000 Split, Croatia
Dajana BRAJČIĆ ; Centre for Marine Studies, University of Split, Livanjska 5/III, 21 000 Split, Croatia
Daniela BLAŽEVIĆ ; Centre for Marine Studies, University of Split, Livanjska 5/III, 21 000 Split, Croatia
Katarina MADIRAZA ; Centre for Marine Studies, University of Split, Livanjska 5/III, 21 000 Split, Croatia
Katja JELIĆ ; Centre for Marine Studies, University of Split, Livanjska 5/III, 21 000 Split, Croatia
Melita PEHARDA ; Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Šet. I. Meštrovića 63,

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Abstract

Imposex, a pseudo-hermaphroditic condition characterized by the development of male sexual characteristics in female prosobranch gastropods, is used as a bioindicator of pollution by tributyltin (TBT) -based antifoulants. The incidence and the intensity of imposex, evaluated from the vas deferens sequence index (VDSI) and the female penis length (FPL), were investigated in Hexaplex trunculus populations from seven locations in Kaštela Bay (Adriatic Sea, Croatia). Analysis of 131 females revealed the absolute prevalence of imposex at all investigated locations. Furthermore, most of the females showed signs of advanced imposex development (VDSI=4.4±0.8, range=2-5). Female penis homologues were found to be well developed (max=20 mm) with mean values ranging from 5.2-12.6 mm. Significant differences were detected regarding both the VDSI (H=36.24, p<0.001) and the FPL (F=7.08, p<0.001) between the locations. The results presented in the study confirm the widespread incidence of imposex and can provide reference values for future monitoring programs.

Keywords

imposex; Hexaplex trunculus; Kaštela Bay; Adriatic Sea; Croatia

Hrčak ID:

31825

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/31825

Publication date:

1.12.2008.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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