Occurrence and Preservation of Gastropod Shells in Recent Riverine and Estuarine Sediments of Chennai, SE-India

Abstract

Objectives: The distribution of aquatic gastropod shells was investigated in riverine and coastal sediments of Chennai, India. Next to taxonomic identification, the shell preservation was characterized and quantified with a taphonomic grade. Methods: Sediments of the Adyar and Cooum rivers as well as of coastal backwaters of the metropolitan area were taken down to a maximum depth of 81 cm using a handheld geoslicer and inspected by optical and electron microscopy. Taphonomic features (i.e. exfoliation, external luster, cracking, fragmentation, edge preservation, bioerosion, encrustation) reflecting different destructive post-mortem processes were observed, individually ranked and averaged in a composite taphonomic grade for each specimen. Results: Shells and shell fragments of various families occur with markedly different abundances between 63.7 and < 1% (in decreasing order Potamididae, Bithyniidae, Stenothyridae, Planorbidae, Thiaridae, Bullinidae, Nassariidae, Neritidae, Paludomidae). Their distribution invokes salinity as a major factor controlling occurrence in a habitat. The lack of larger and globose shells in freshwater river sediments may reflect the preference of stagnant water habitats and limited preservation in sedimentary transport. The predominance of Pirenella cingulata among the shells found in sediments of brackish environments probably reflects mechanical robustness and its extreme abundance in tidal flats. Due to post-mortem destruction most shells are incomplete. Roughly 25% of all specimens are almost complete shells not only showing spire and body whorl but at least in part also apex and/or aperture and outer lip. More than 50% represent spires or combinations of apex and spire. Composite taphonomic grades for gastropod families show a large range and reach high values. The lowest grades, indicative of best preservation, are observed for Stenothyra blanfordiana and Bithynia sp. Novelty: The distribution of gastropods in riverine and coastal environments represents a valuable ecosystem characteristic. Shell preservation shown here for sediments of Chennai is the basis for retrospective environmental characterization. Keywords: Gastropods; shells; river sediments; taphonomy; Chennai