Effects of perfluorooctane sulfonate compounds on the biochemical activities in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis)

Our environment has been affected by increasing level of discharged organic and inorganic pollutants from anthropogenic sources. Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are one of the important sources of pollution and they are major risks for the aquatic ecosystems. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of PFOS on GST enzyme activities in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis). For this purpose, mussels were exposed to six different PFOS concentrations and the effects were evaluated. PFOS has been caused to a statistically significant increase in GST activity in hepatopancreas in all experimental groups compared with the control group. In conclusion, it has been approved that GST which is a defense mechanism of organisms, can be a very useful tool to detect the toxic effects of pollutants.