Validation of Arenicola marina in field toxicity bioassays using benthic cages: Biomarkers as tools for assessing sediment quality

► Field assays with caged lugworms are a valuable tool for sediment quality assessment. ► Lugworm biochemical biomarkers are useful detecting toxicity and chemical exposure. ► Cadiz Bay sediments were not toxic for Arenicola marina. ► Sediment PAHs in Santander Bay and LPGC Port induced toxic responses in A. marina. ► PPCPs were identified as possible cause of toxicity for lugworms.