Abstract
A stable isotope study was conducted to identify the sources of nutrition for the semelid bivalve Theora lubrica living in estuarine subtidal sediments. Along an estuarine gradient in Gokasho Bay, central Japan, δ 13 C and δ 15 N were determined both in tissues of T. lubrica and its potential food sources, i.e. particulate organic matter (POM) from riverine and marine sites, sedimentary organic matter (SOM) and microalgae on an intertidal mudflat. Differences existed among δ 13 C and δ 15 N in riverine POM (yearly mean value: -26.5‰ and 0.5 ‰, respectively), marine POM (-20.4‰, 6.3‰) and benthic microalgae (-14.7 ‰, 4.9‰). SOM exhib- ited a gradual isotopic enrichment both in 13 C and 15 N from the estuarine station adjacent to the mudflats to the more sea- ward stations, indicating a progressive mixing of terrestrial and marine sources. However, the isotopic composition of T. lubrica did not follow this trend: as the sampling station was shifted seaward, δ 15 N increased from 7.5 to 9.4‰, whereas
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
