DNA damage in caged Gammarus fossarum amphipods: A tool for freshwater genotoxicity assessment

The aim of this study was to propose a tool for freshwater environmental genotoxicity assessment using Gammarus fossarum, a high ecologically relevant species. In a first part, gammarids were caged upstream and downstream wastewater treatment plant effluent output. The sensitivity of genotoxic responses of haemocytes, oocytes and spermatozoa was compared using the Comet assay. Spermatozoa appeared to be the most sensitive, suitable and relevant cell type for genotoxicity risk assessment. In a second part, a watershed-scale study was conducted over 2 years to evaluate the applicability of our caging procedure. The genotoxic impact of a contamination was followed, taking into account seasonal variability. DNA damage in spermatozoa exhibited low basal level and low variability in control upstream sites, providing a reliable discrimination of polluted sites. Finally, DNA damage in caged G. fossarum has been proved to be a sensitive and reproducible tool for freshwater genotoxicity assessment.

► Two different contamination contexts: WWTP effluents and polymetallic contamination.
► DNA damage in caged Gammarus fossarum is a sensitive tool for freshwater quality assessment.
► Spermatozoa is the most relevant cell type for biomonitoring freshwater genotoxicity.
► Combining biomarker responses with analytical chemistry provides rich ecotoxicological information.