Quantitative changes in digestive gland cells and oocytes of Helix aspersa, as biomarkers of copper oxychloride exposure under field conditions

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of accumu- lated copper, on digestive epithelium height and percentage area, and on oocyte numbers of the snail Helix aspersa, ina vineyard where copper oxychloride is sprayed. The ulti- mate aim was to determine the usefulness of these cellular responses as biomarkers. Results showed that snails col- lected 2 months after fungicide application, had a signifi- cantly lower mean digestive epithelium height and percentage area, as well as significantly fewer oocytes per 1 mm2 of ovotestis, compared to snails collected only 1 week after fungicide application and those from a control vineyard. It was concluded that these cellular responses are clear, measurable responses to copper oxychloride expo- sure and copper accumulation. However, they do not pro- vide an early warning of copper exposure, which impacts on their usefulness as biomarkers.