Contaminant bioaccumulation and biochemical responses of the bivalve Scrobicularia plana and the polychaete Hediste diversicolor to ecosystem restoration measures using Zostera noltei.

Abstract

A Nature-based Solution (NbS) using Zostera noltei transplants was implemented to restore an area historically contaminated with metals and enhance local environmental conditions. However, the benefits of this restoration approach on the health of resident benthic communities remained unclear, considering the time span of one year of implementation. This study evaluated the short-term effects of transplantation by evaluating bioaccumulation and biochemical responses in Scrobicularia plana and Hediste diversicolor. Overall, the transplanted vegetation played a crucial role in controlling contaminant accumulation, with both species exhibiting lower contaminant levels in vegetated sites compared to bare-bottom sites. The study also revealed species-specific responses to oxidative stress, antioxidant defences and energy budgets, with H. diversicolor being more vulnerable to the absence of vegetation than S. plana. These findings highlight the critical role of vegetation in improving environmental quality and promoting the health of benthic communities, validating the positive effect of the applied restoration measures.