Bioanalytical characterisation of estrogen and arylhydrocarbon receptor agonists in transplanted blue mussels (Mytilus edulis): proof of concept

Abstract

The characterisation of estrogen (ER) and arylhydrocarbon (AhR) receptor agonists was performed in extracts of the tissues of transplanted blue mussels (Mytilus edulis). The yeast estrogen screen (YES) was used to detect the presence of ER agonists, whilst the DR-CALUX assay was used to detect AhR agonists. The concentration of ER agonists in mussel tissue from the Tees estuary, Brancaster and River Crouch (UK) were below the limits of detection for the YES assay (0.87 pg E2 g⁻¹). AhR agonists were measured at concentrations of between 1 and 950 pg TCDD g⁻¹ in mussel tissue. A bioassay-directed fractionation of the sample extracts, followed by advanced broad spectrum gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis was then used in an attempt to identify the AhR agonists present. This showed that a complex mixture of AhR agonists occurs in the samples and that further work will be required in order to isolate and identify the individual compounds responsible.