Alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis assay of Actinia equina for monitoring seawater genotoxicity

This study was suggested by a recent evaluation of marine pollution in the harbour of Genova (Pane et al., unpublished research). This evaluation indicated contamination of sea water with various chemicals, especially with polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the zone reserved for oil tankers (Porto Petroli of Genova-Voltri). The six PAHs measured were fluoranthene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(ghi)perylene, and indeno (1,2,3-cd)pyrene. In the period November 1997 – June 1998 their cumulative concentrations ranged in the sea water from 0.001 to 0.007 ppb, in the seston from 0.105 to 2.733 ng/g, and in the copepods from 0.022 to 2.343 ng/g. The purpose of the study was to examine the possibility of assessing the genotoxic effect of this contamination using the sea anemone Actinia equina (Cnidaria: Anthozoa) as the target organism.