Quantitative Changes in the Effects of Anthropogenic Activities on Bivalve Mollusc Hepatopancreatic Cells

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the quantitative changes in the hepatopancreas cells of Batissa violaceae. Clams from the Catubig River in Northern Samar were employed as a bioindicator of pollution. For quantitative studies, hepatopancreas was pooled from the chronically exposed group, the depurated laboratory control group, and the clams that were returned to the river and plunged for 72 hours. Hepatopancreas samples were histologically prepared and were examined by Ken-a- vision microprojector microscope. The epithelium height of tubules of the hepatopancreas cells during the low flow period site 1 was reduced in size compared to that of the high flow period site 1. Also, the mean number of tubules during the high flow period revealed that there was a significant increase in the number in depurated control. Generally, quantitative changes found in the hepatopancreas cells after acute and chronic exposures could function as a biomarker of exposure to contaminants.