Variation of antioxidant biomarkers in the edible oyster Saccostrea cucullata collected from three different water bodies of Sundarbans

Abstract

Variations of antioxidant biomarkers such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were studied in edible part of mangrove oyster Saccostrea cucullata, collected from three different water bodies, such as Namkhana (S-I), Frazergaunge (S-II) and Sajnekhali (S-III) of Indian Sundarbans which are exposed to different degrees of anthropogenic activity. The study was conducted for consecutive two years (2010 and 2011) in the respective water bodies. Characteristics of biomarkers in oyster from the two polluted water bodies, i.e. S-I and S-II, are similar in nature in comparison to less polluted site (S-III). The catalase, superoxide dismutase activity and lipid peroxidation in oyster flesh exhibit significant (p < 0.01) spatial and temporal variation among the three stations. Oysters from S-I were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in antioxidant enzyme activities than oysters from S-III, which differ in their amount of pollution sources. Maximum antioxidant enzymes activity of all collected samples were recorded in pre-monsoon time and decreased in monsoon season. But maximum lipid peroxidation was noted during monsoon followed by post-monsoon and pre-monsoon.