Résumé: Our study aims to use the snail Cornu aspersum as bioindicator species to biomonitoring soil quality in northeast of Algeria through measurement of the seasonal activities of three biomarkers, glutathione S-transferase, acetylcholinesterase and metallothioneins. C. aspersum were collected seasonally during the year 2016, at four sites located in the extreme northeast of Algeria. El Hadjar, site exposed to industrial wastes; the sites of El Tarf and Bouteldja subjected to urban and agricultural pollution; and El Kala, located in a protected park, chosen as a witness site. An inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and an increase of both glutathione S-transferase and metallothioneins were observed in samples collected from El Hadjar, El Tarf and Bouteldja as compared to El Kala. In addition, a significant seasonal effect was observed in spring and summer as compared to autumn and winter. This work reveal that C. aspersum can be used as a suitable bioindicator species for biomonitoring soil quality in northeast of Algeria who was related to sources of exposition to pollution.

Résumé: As a part of a soil quality biomonitoring program in Northeast of Algeria, we have assessed the seasonnal variation of growth of a snail, Helix aspersa (Mollusca, Gastropoda), a bioindicator species of soil pollution, and measured the responses of some environmental stress biomarkers, Acetylcholinesterase, Glutathione S-transferase and Metallothionein, in sites subjected to different pollution sources. The results showed a seasonal and site effects on growth, an inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and an induction of glutathione S-transferase and metallothionein. These results are related to exposure of sites to pollution.

Résumé: Induction of protein carbonyls (PC) are widely used as a biomarker of exposure to anthropogenic contaminants. The aim of the present study was to examine the sub-lethal effects of cadmium (LC10 and LC25- 96h) on gonad protein carbonyl contents in Donax trunculus L. (Mollusca, Bivalvia) males and females during the reproduction period, and to evaluate the recovery pattern of this Mollusk species. The samples were collected at El Battah, a site far from any source of pollution. The determination of PC contents in gonads was carried out at different times during the exposure (0, 48, and 96h) and the depuration period (4 days). Data subjected to a multivariate analysis of variance revealed significant effects of concentration, time and sex during the exposure period. The individuals exposed to the two concentrations and then transferred to untreated water, recovered their normal PC values after 2 day for the LC10 and LC25, except for the highest concentration of cadmium (LC25) in females. The overall data indicated that protein carbonyls have potential for use as biomakers of oxidative stress and D. trunculus was able to overcome relatively rapidly the stress induced by cadmium. In this species, the males restore more rapidly their normal status than the females. The difference in the responses observed between the sex of this species are discussed. … Read more