Evaluation of Ecogenotoxicity and Petroleum Hydrocarbon Pollutants in Green Mussels (Perna viridis) From The North Java Coast, Indonesia

Anthropogenic activities have raised the risk of environmental pollution, particularly by oil and other petroleum hydrocarbon substances. Petroleum hydrocarbons can be harmful and toxic to marine environments and benthic organisms, such as green mussels (Perna viridis). Generally, the toxicity of green mussels is focused on physiological and histological damage, despite tissue damage initiated at the molecular level. Variations in environmental quality can lead to damaging DNA polymorphisms and disruption of animal physiological functions. The RAPD-PCR technique is a useful tool for assessing genomic instability in marine animals. This study examines the relationship between petroleum hydrocarbon contamination and possible genomic instability in green mussels (Perna viridis) collected from three coastal locations along the North Java Coast which exhibit a pollution gradient. Cilincing Water (highly polluted), Sayung Water (moderately polluted), and Rembang Water (lightly polluted/reference site). RAPD-PCR and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) analyses were used to assess the genomic response patterns associated with environmental stress. Changes in RAPD banding patterns and Genomic Template Stability (GTS) values are interpreted as indicators of potential genomic instability. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) demonstrated covariation between pollution indicators and genomic response patterns. Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) level was analyzed using FTIR iD5 Thermo. The highest TPH level in green mussels was detected in the Cilincing water, and the lowest was detected in Rembang water. The study on genotoxicity in green mussels using RAPD-PCR and Genomic Template Stability (%GTS) analysis demonstrated significant differences from Cilincing than Sayung Waters with values of 40% and 60% respectively compared to reference site. The levels of TPH in green mussels have an association to potential genomic instability. Higher pollution levels in the marine environment contribute to elevated genomic instability.