Ecotoxicological effects of the UV-filter 4-MBC on sperms and adults of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis

Present in an increasing number of products, UV-filters are continuously discharged into aquatic environments. Despite potential risks for inhabiting organisms are recognized, the effects of UV-filter 4-methylbenzylidenecam-phor (4-MBC) on marine invertebrates are poorly investigated. By combining in vitro/in vivo exposures through a multi-biomarker approach on sperms and adults, the present study evaluated how 4-MBC affect the mussel species Mytilus galloprovincialis, providing ecologically relevant information on organisms' responses. From the obtained results, considering mortality as endpoint, sperms revealed a greater sensitivity (EC50:347 mu g/L) than adults (EC50: not calculable). From an ecotoxicological perspective, this resulted in a derived threshold con-centration (LOEC) of 100 mu g/L and 72 mu g/L, respectively. Effects at the cell/molecular level were provided by general redox-status imbalance and oxidative stress. Sperms showed functional and structural impairments, hyperactivation and DNA damage, while adults showed physiological, metabolic/energetic dysfunctions, DNA damage and activation of oxidative and biotransformation enzymes. High 4-MBC bioaccumulation was also observed in exposed mussels (BCFs:14.0-32.0 L/kg). These findings suggest that 4-MBC may impair fitness and survival of the broadcast spawning mussel M. galloprovincialis, affecting reproduction success and population growth.