Use of the mussel expert system to evaluate the syndrome stress level on the Moroccan Central Atlantic coast

The current study examined the effect of cadmium exposure in the laboratory on the number of selected biomarkers (Lysosomal membrane stability, Metallothionein concentration, Acetylcholinesterase activity, and micronucleus frequency) in the Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis to evaluate their ecological relevance and their potential use as pollution indicators in the field. This study was achieved using the mussel expert system for identifying and quantifying pollution-induced stress syndrome in mussels sampled on the Moroccan Central Atlantic coast. According to Cd concentration and exposure time, the laboratory analysis revealed a decrease in lysosomal membrane stability, an increase in metallothionein concentrations, and an increase in total nuclear abnormalities. The integration of the data from the in situ study with the mussel expert system has shown that the organisms of the M’diq, Cap Beddouza, and Dar Bouazza sites can be considered in good health. Low stress is detected at the Souiria kdima and El Jadida sites, the other sites show moderate stress.