Analysis of potential biomarkers of environmental exposure to molluscicides in Arianta arbustorum (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) / Analiza potencjalnych biomarkerów ekspozycji środowiskowej na moluskocydy u Arianta arbustorum (Gastropoda: Pulmonata)

An analysis was conducted of 9 experimental groups of Arianta arbustorum snails from a natural population whose diet was supplemented with different doses of molluscicides - metaldehyde, methiocarb, and potassium chloride. The search for biomarkers of exposure to harmful agents revealed changes in the snails’ intestinal bacterial flora of the family Enterobacteriaceae. Following taxa identification (API 20E), a preliminary phenotypic characterisation of Citrobacter was performed on the basis of susceptibility to 6 chemotherapeutic agents. Changes in resistance profiles induced by the diet supplements were observed in relation to the control group. Changes were also observed in the content of the main fatty acid groups in the hepatopancreas and foot tissues of the snails whose food had been supplemented with various doses of molluscicides. The microbiological and biochemical parameters analysed can be considered to be physiological indicators of changes in the bodies of the snails induced by the harmful agents applied.