DNA integrity as a biomarker of marine pollution: Strand breaks in seastar (Asterias rubens) and dab (Limanda limanda)☆

Abstract DNA strand breaks in seastars and dab were measured by the time-dependent partial alkaline unwinding of DNA followed by the determination of the double-stranded to total DNA ratio ( F -value). Highest DNA integrity (0.75 F F meta and para position of the biphenyl skeleton. Over 90% of double-stranded DNA was measured in dab obtained from pristine areas, with an average F -value in specimens from most sampling stations varying from 0.75 to 0.85, during August/September 1991. Samples taken in May/June 1992 showed significantly lower DNA integrity (0.55 F meta and para position).