The figure below shows examples of tissue damage in the digestive gland and the gonad of mussels from a PAH contaminated site compared to mussels from a clean site.
- Figure A : Digestive glands with a normal structure in mussels collected at the clean reference site (Førlandsfjorden).
- Figure B : Digestive glands from a mussel collected at the PAH contaminated site (Høgevarde, Karmøy). Large lipid vacuoles was observed in basophilic, loss of epithelial cells and degenerate material within the lumen.
- Figure C: Histological sections of female mussels collected at the clean site in March 2006 displayed numerous ovarian follicles (“sacs”) filled with mature eggs.
- Figure D: Contaminated female mussels from Høgevarde had most of their follicles filled with degenerated eggs, although some rare normal follicles could be observed.
Picture with specific indications
In addition to the mussel study we have experience with histological analysis of samples from scallops, amphipods, cod, polar cod and turbot.
The support of international experts is also a important part of the ISP project; Dr. David Lowe (Plymouth Marine Laboratory, UK) and Dr. John Bignell (CEFAS, UK) are actively involved in the development of new and innovative histological techniques and in data interpretation.
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