Physiological status and intersex in the endobenthic bivalve Scrobicularia plana from thirteen estuaries in northwest France

The bivalve Scrobicularia plana, an important species for the structure and functioning of estuarine and coastal mudflats, was studied in thirteen sites from NW France differing by their degree of contamination to document the presence of reproduction impairments (intersex, sex ratio, gonadosomatic indices) in relation to the condition revealed by using hepatosomatic and condition indices. In agreement with recent studies in other European estuaries, intersex was revealed in all the studied estuaries, including sites the chemical and ecological status of which is considered “good” according to the criteria of the European Water Framework Directive. The presence of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) could result in such disturbances. Our results re-inforce the concern linked to the subtle effects of EDCs, which are active at very low doses, often in the absence of any major sign of toxicity. However at this stage, no clear link may be established between intersex and population effects.

► Clams were collected from 13 estuaries differing by their degree of contamination.
► Gonadosomatic, hepatosomatic and condition indices were determined.
► Reproduction impairments (intersex, biased sex ratio, asynchronism) were shown.
► Intersex shown even at sites with good ecological status (Water Framework Directive).
► No clear links between intersex and populational effects.