Role of non-enzymatic antioxidants on the bivalves' adaptation to environmental mercury: Organ-specificities and age effect in Scrobicularia plana inhabiting a contaminated lagoon

► Results demonstrated non-enzymatic antioxidants' importance on protecting bivalves. ► S. plana's adaptive skills over time depend on the contamination extent. ► Antioxidants intervention evidenced an adjustment capacity increasing with the age. ► Gills responded to mercury moderate levels by increasing thiols and glutathione. ► Ascorbic acid displayed a compensatory role where organs failed to increase thiols.