Mussel Shells Research Articles

Mussel shell mortars durability: Study of aggregate replacement limit

The knowledge acquired through previous experimental phases with coating mortars with mussel shell aggregates led to conclude that irregular, flaky and hydrophobic particles of the mussel shell and the organic matter content introduce entrapped air and entrained air in the mixes. This phenomenon causes different and opposite effects on the main properties of mortars, which are in some way positive and negative (for durability), consequently, their durability cannot be easily predicted. The present work pretends to analyse the results of different durability tests, such as water vapour permeability, adhesive strength, and weathering cycles to recommend the maximum percentage of mussel shell sand used in coating mortars that guarantee the required lifespan.After an in-depth literature review, it can be said that it is not easy to predict the durability of mortars using mussel shell aggregates. This question has been hardly analysed in the existing literature and the maximum substitution percentage of conventional aggregate that can be replaced is not clear. This work aims to answer this issue by analysing different properties: water vapour permeability, adhesive strength, and weathering cycles. Mussel shell content improves the water vapour permeability of both air lime and cement mortars but worsens the adhesive strength and weathering cycle behaviour. For most applications, 25 % of mussel shell aggregate can be employed, but for some applications, 50 % or even 75 % of mussel shell aggregate is feasible and will avoid the undesirable landfilling of this waste.

Effect of pH on mussel shells-originated HAP supported Ag catalysts for catalytic combustion of VOCs

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) triggered serious air pollution and mussel shell caused the marine environmental issues. Herein, hydroxyapatite (HAP) using mussel shells as calcium source was prepared by hydrothermal method with different pH (pH = 6, 8, 10, 11) controls to support Ag catalyst for removal of VOCs. It was found that the amount of skeletal hydroxyl species and textual properties of HAP were controlled by pH effectively, and the increase of hydroxyl groups in the framework resulted in forming smaller-sized Ag2O particles. When pH was 8, the Ag/HAP-BpH=8 catalyst exhibited 100 % conversion of ethyl acetate and toluene at 260 °C and 300 °C, respectively. Silver species were more likely existed on the surface of HAP-BpH=8 to form large-size Ag particles (6.4 nm) and more Ag2O species. The lower ratio of Ag0/Ag+ were crucial for improving the VOCs oxidation activity at lower temperatures. This work applied waste mussel shells to prepare high value-added Ag/hydroxyapatite catalysts and to promote VOCs catalytic oxidation.

Characterization and Synthesis Hydroxyapatite from Scallop Mussel Shells Prepared by the Microwave-Assisted Precipitation Methods

The need for bone implants is constantly increasing every year as the population of older people, accidents, and bone diseases increase. Various solutions, such as autograft, allograft, and artificial endoprosthesis, have been developed by researchers. Ceramic or bio-ceramic materials become very attractive as bone implants due to their high biocompatibility. One of the most commonly used bio-ceramics today is hydroxyapatite (HAp). Hydroxyapatite is one of the biomaterials that are widely used as biomedical materials, such as bone fillers, bioactive implant coatings, bone tissue repair systems and drug distribution. Kabupaten Gresik is famous for its fisheries, including the scallop mussel shells. The scallop mussel shells (Ruditapes philippinarum) is a species of shells that is widely cultivated in the Kabupaten Gresik. Using scallop mussel shell wastes as hydroxyapatite raw material can reduce shell waste volumes and production costs. Several methods for producing hydroxyapatites include hydrothermal, sol-gel, mechanochemical, wet chemical and microwave methods. Hydroxyapatite synthesis with the microwave method has the advantages of efficient heating, environmentally friendly and economical. This study aims to characterize and synthesize hydroxyapatite using scallop mussel shell waste prepared using microwave-assisted precipitation methods in the Gresik Regency. The research was carried out to convert the scallop mussel shells resulting from calcination with the crystal phase Ca(OH)2 into hydroxyapatite using the microwave method. The synthesis process with the method of microwaves at the power of 450 watts for 2.5 minutes. From the synthesis results, hydroxyapatite was then characterized by XRD and SEM tests. The XRD tests carried out formed 99.1% crystallinity of hydroxyapatite.

The golden mussel Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857) as an emerging concern for biodiversity in the Brazilian Cerrado

The Cerrado biome is an international biodiversity hotspot, but knowledge about the distribution and impact of invasive bivalve species in the rivers of the Central Brazilian Cerrado is scarce. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to extend our knowledge of the geographical distribution of the golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) and enlarge the list of the invasive species that have arrived in the Cerrado environment. In this context, invasive mussels may affect native species, but there is little information on their environmental interaction. The study area was the low-middle Paranaíba River, located in and around the hydroelectric power plant of Cachoeira Dourada. In total, 386 specimens were captured and measured, and the reproductive status was defined through a histological approach. Results showed that the mussel shell length varied from 3.8 to 35.5 mm (215.73 ± 5.53 mm); width, from 1.9 to 14.1 mm (7.20 ± 2.24 mm); and height, from 1.4 to 11.8 mm (5.84 ± 2.00 mm). Hence, the populations discovered is likely to be in its third year, and the histological assessment showed that the mussels are reproducing actively. Results indicated that the process of invasion was enhanced by human activities, such as fish farming, considering that the golden mussel is an emerging bio-infestation concern, and it should be considered a serious threat to native species on the Brazilian Cerrado ecosystem. Further studies on cohabitation and interaction with native species are needed.

Effect of withdrawal speed variations on coating quality of electrophoretically deposited biogenic hydroxyapatite on AISI 316L

The use of biogenic waste for multipurpose materials has started to be encouraged in the current decade to support the world’s environmental sustainability campaign. Biogenic calcium phosphate-derived materials are potential biomaterials because of their similar properties to human bone. This paper used hydroxyapatite (HAp) powder derived from green mussel shells (Perna viridis) to coat the AISI 316L metallic implant material using the electrophoretic deposition coating method. In this study, the post-deposition withdrawal speeds of 5mm/s, 3mm/s, and 1mm/s were varied to find their effect on the quality of the HAp coating layer. Crystallography, micrography, and image processing were used to characterize the coating and calculate the percentage of HAp layer and cracks. The crystallographic data shows the HAp peaks, which conclude that the green mussel shells HAp successfully coat the substrate and can be used to coat the AISI 316L implant material. However, the appearance of the substrate crystal peaks and color difference on high withdrawal speed specimens conclude that the coating layer has cracks. In conclusion, the emergence of cracks can be minimized using 1mm/s post-deposition withdrawal speed and eventually produce high-quality HAp coating.

Use of hydroxyapatite powder derived from green mussel shell wastes for coating on AISI 316L

This study aimed to determine the effect of preheating AISI 316L metal substrate on the adhesion strength of the hydroxyapatite (HA) layer derived from green mussel shell waste deposit by the flame spray method. The deposition experiment was carried out in a spray gun with a distance of 10 mm with preheat of 200°C, 400°C, and 600°C. A sample without preheating was also a comparison. An optical microscope was for assessing the thickness and uniformity of the HA surface layer. The adhesion strength of the coatings followed the ASTM D4541 Standard. As a result, the adhesion strength of the HA coating increases with increasing preheat temperature. However, using Image-J software, at an initial heating temperature of 600 °C, the adhesion strength of the coating changed from adhesion- to adhesion-cohesive strength, leading to an increase in coating strength noted. The result can add knowledge to understanding the flame spray method for the HA-coated from green mussel shell waste on AISI 316L. The results obtained can increase knowledge to understand the method of flame spraying on HA-coated green mussel shell waste on AISI 316L. Preheat temperature, spray gun shooting distance, HA powder release, oxygen gas pressure, and LPG gas pressure can be used as references.

Analysis of pH Regulation on the Ca/P Ratio of Green Mussel Shell Hydroxyapatite using the Sol-Gel Method

Kandungan kalsium karbonat dari cangkang kerang hijau dapat dimanfaatkan sebagai salah satu material. Hidroksiapatit merupakan mineral utama yang menyusun tulang dan gigi sehingga memiliki kemiripan dengan bagian mineral pada tulang. Penelitian dilakukan untuk Konsentrasi reagen asam fosfat yang digunakan dan pH reaksi pada perolehan rasio Ca/P dari Hidroksiapatit yang didapatkan melalui proses sintesis dengan menggunakan metode sol-gel. Proses presipitasi calsium carbonat dilakukan dengan menambahkan air sebanyak 50 ml kedalam larutan H3PO4 dengan konsentrasi 1M kemudian diaduk selama 3 jam menggunakan magnetic stirrer dengan kecepatan pengadukan sebesar 300 rpm, pH dijaga 8 – 12 ( variabel ) menggunakan bantuan NaOH. Selanjutnya larutan dilakukan penuaan (waktu aging) pada suhu kamar selama 20 jam sampai terbentuk gel. Gel yang telah terbentuk disaring menggunakan kertas saring watman. Selanjutnya gel dipanaskan dalam oven dengan suhu 105 selama 2 jam. Serbuk yang dihasilkan kemudian difurnace pada temperatur 600oC selama kurang lebih 6 jam supaya membentuk serbuk kering Hidroksiapatit. Rasio Ca/P terbaik sebesar 1,6708 dengan penggunaan H3PO4 sebesar 1M serta pH sebesar 11.

Multi-use of offshore wind farms with low-trophic aquaculture can help achieve global sustainability goals

Multi-use of offshore wind farms with low-trophic aquaculture could provide sustainable energy, nutritious seafood, and restorative ecosystem services through nutrients and carbon capture and utilization. In a transition zone between marine and brackish seas, our model predicted that allocating 10% of projected wind farm areas to blue mussel and sugar kelp aquaculture in the North Sea - Baltic Sea transition zone could yield 18 t-fresh weight ha−1 yr−1. Total carbon captured and harvested from seaweed biomass and mussel shells would equal 40% of the carbon dioxide emissions from the Danish agricultural sector. Furthermore, global aquaculture production is projected to increase by 132% compared to current production. With technological and regulatory challenges still to be addressed, these findings demonstrate a vast potential of multi-use in offshore areas, which can generate blue biomass with fewer user conflicts, while mitigating eutrophication and climate change, thereby supporting multiple global sustainable development goals.

The Functional Significance of McMafF_G_K in Molluscs: Implications for Nrf2-Mediated Oxidative Stress Response

The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a pivotal regulator of antioxidant gene expression in mammals, forming heterodimer complexes with small Maf proteins through its BZip domain. However, the underlying mechanism of Nrf2 action in molluscs remains poorly understood. The thick shell mussel, Mytilus coruscus, represents a model organism for the marine environment and molluscs interaction research. In this study, we used in silico cloning to obtain a small Maf homologue called McMafF_G_K from M. coruscus. McMafF_G_K possesses a typical BZip domain, suggesting its affiliation with the traditional small Maf family and its potential involvement in the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Transcriptional analysis revealed that McMafF_G_K exhibited a robust response to benzo[a]pyrene (Bap) in the digestive glands. However, this response was down-regulated upon interference with McMafF_G_K-siRNA. Interestingly, the expression levels of Nrf2, NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase (NQO-1), and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), which are key players in oxidative stress response, showed a positive correlation with McMafF_G_K in digested adenocytes of M. coruscus. Furthermore, in vitro analysis of antioxidant capacity in digestive gland cells demonstrated that Bap exposure led to an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, accompanied by an elevation in total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), potentially counterbalancing the excessive ROS. Strikingly, transfection of McMafF_G_K siRNA resulted in a significant rise in ROS level and a down-regulation of T-AOC level. To validate the functional relevance of McMafF_G_K, a glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down assay confirmed its interaction with McNrf2, providing compelling evidence of their protein interaction. This study significantly contributes to our understanding of the functional role of McMafF_G_K in the Nrf2 signaling pathway and sheds light on its potential as a target for further research in oxidative stress response.

Pembuatan Papan Komposit dari Limbah Plastik (PVC) dan Cangkang Kupang Merah

Kebutuhan papan saat ini terus mengalami peningkatan oleh karena itu penelitian ini dilakukukan dengan memanfaatkan limbah PVC dan limbah cangkang kupang merah sebagai bahan baku pembuatan papan komposit sehingga dapat menaikan nilai dari limbah PVC dan limbah cangkang kupang merah.Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk mengetahui pengaruh ukuran filer dan perbandingan komposisi cangkang kupang merah dengan PVC terhadap sifat fisis dan mekanis papan komposit. Pembuatan papan komposit ini dilakukkan dengan cara mencampurkan serbuk cangkang kupang dengan PVC kemudian perlakuan yang diberikan dengan melakukan variasi ukuran cangkang kupang 20, 30,40,50,dan60 mesh dan perbandingan komposisi antara PVC dengan cangkang kupang yaitu 30%:70%, 40%:60%, 50%:50%, 60%:40%, 70%:30% kemudian dicetak dan dilakukan pengempaan dengan suhu 120oC menggunakan hot press selama 60 menit. Sehingga dari penelitian diperoleh hasil kerapatan terbaik pada kondisi 60 mesh dan perbandingan komposisi 30%:70% dimana nilai densitas atau kerapatan 1,234gr/cm3, sedangkan untuk kadar air,pengembangan tebal, dan kuat patah didapat hasil terbaik pada kondisi 60 mesh dengan perbandingan komposisi 70%:30% dimana persentase kadar air 0,3108%, presentase pengembangan tebal 0,138% , nilai kuat patah (modulus of repture) 1092,57 Kgf.

Characteristics of marine strain Streptomyces sp. with antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity

The Black Sea is a unique water basin consisting of a thin superficial oxygenic layer with moderate salinity, and a deep anoxic water mass. The microbiota of the Black Sea remains relatively understudied, which makes it interesting first of all from the most practical point of view of the search for producers of new biologically active compounds. A strain of actinobacteria Streptomyces sp. ONU 561 was isolated from the surface of mussel shells collected in the coastal zone of Odesa. It demonstrated a wide range of antagonistic activity, inhibiting the growth of a set of opportunistic pathogens, including representatives of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. In addition, bacteria of this strain were able to inhibit the growth of all tested strains of mycelial fungi, including representatives of Aspergillus niger, A. flavus and Fusarium oxysporum species, and Candida albicans yeast. A significant cytotoxic effect was revealed in the cell cultures of human malignant cells – human rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) and human laryngeal adenocarcinoma (Hep-2). Analysis of the exometabolome of the strain did not explain these effects.The strain was comprehensively characterized, including physiological, biochemical, and morphological traits. The complete genome of the strain was sequenced using Illumina HiSeq 4000 (2x150) and ONT and annotated using NCBI PGAP. Its genome has a size of 8 359 197 bp. GC content – 71.59%. Using antiSMASH 7.0, 35 biosynthetic clusters were revealed. The indices of digital DNA-DNA hybridization and orthoANI for all of the type strains with Streptomyces sp. ONU 561 are much lower than threshold values for the species separation. The obtained results, including a comparative analysis of the genome, indicate the possible affiliation of the strain Streptomyces sp. ONU 561 to a new species and the potential ability of these actinobacteria to synthesize previously unknown antibiotic compounds.

Beneficial use of mussel shell as a bioadditive for TPU green composites by the valorization of an aqueous waste

Beneficial use of mussel shell as a bioadditive for TPU green composites by the valorization of an aqueous waste

Diagenesis in freshwater mussel shell and its implications for provenance determination – Evidence from the Kinlock Site, 22SU526 (Yazoo Basin, Mississippi, U.S.A.)

Freshwater shells from archaeological contexts hold the potential to allow sourcing of shell-tempered ceramics on the basis of their chemical composition. This application, however, requires understanding chemical interaction of shell with the burial environment. Here, we use material recovered at Kinlock (22SU526), a Late Woodland - to Mississippian-period site located in the Yazoo Basin, Mississippi, U.S.A. as a case study to evaluate the presence and impact of diagenesis on Unionid shells. Twenty whole shells recovered from the plow zone and the sub-plow zone are analyzed using a combination of thin sections, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry. Results show that, contrary to what might be expected, shells from the sub-plow zone are more affected by diagenesis than samples from the plow zone. The chemistry of the shells from the sub-plow zone is affected by modern human contaminants (fertilizers) within a perched water table, and is no longer representative of the original composition of these samples, compromising their use in provenance research. Shells from within the plow zone are less affected by contamination, making them potentially more useful to generate background data for provenance studies.

Structural and biological characterization of two freshwater mussel shells (Bivalvia: Unionidae)

Structural and biological characterization of two freshwater mussel shells (Bivalvia: Unionidae)

Seasonal Dynamics of Microphytobenthos Distribution in Three Ecotopes on a Mussel Farm (Black Sea)

As the production of cultured bivalve mollusks is increasing worldwide, there is a growing need to study the biodiversity and ecology of microalgae in the mariculture zones. This study presents multiannual data (obtained in 2015–2016 and 2018–2020) on the species composition, abundance, biomass, and community structure of microphytobenthos from three mussel farm ecotopes (mussel shells, the epiphyton of twenty macroalgal species, and sediments under collectors). In total, 150 microalgal taxa were found, including 135 diatom species with a predominance of benthic (76%), marine (65%), and cosmopolite (30%) ones. In all habitats, 10 potentially harmful species and 44 indicators of organic pollution were noted. The maximum values on the mussel shells (abundance N = 119 × 103 cells/cm2 and biomass B = 0.0489 mg/cm2) were recorded in winter with the dominance of Tabularia fasciculata; in summer, the epiphyton was on the brown alga Nereia filiformis (N = 1001 × 103 cells/cm2 and B = 2.06 mg/cm2) with the dominance of toxic Pseudo-nitzschia seriata, on the red alga Phyllophora crispa (N = 1118 × 103 cells/cm2 and B = 3.24 mg/cm2) with the dominance of T. fasciculata, and in sediments (N = 104 × 103 cells/cm3 and B = 0.046 mg/cm3) with the dominance of T. fasciculata and Bacillaria paxillifer. Statistically significant effects of the ecotope and sampling season on the diatom composition were noted. The strongest effect of temperature is observed for the mussel shell diatoms, for which the trend of abundance and biomass increase in winter and their decrease in summer is most noticeable. But in sediments, the effect of the season is reflected only in the permanent changes of the microalgae species composition. For the epiphyton, it was shown that it is temperature, rather than substrate macrophyte species, that affects its numerical structure.

Application of green mussel (Perna viridis) shells hydroxyapatite on osteocalcin levels and osteoblast cells in rabbit femur bone defect.

Bovine hydroxyapatite (HA) used for bone grafts is relatively expensive, necessitating the development of alternative sources. Alternative HA materials derived from green mussel shells with smaller molecular sizes are inexpensive and abundantly available throughout Indonesian waters. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of green mussel shells HA on bone healing. This post-test-only experimental research used male rabbits with femoral defects divided into three groups randomly: K (no treatment), P1 (bovine HA treatment), and P2 (green mussel shell HA treatment). The osteocalcin level was assessed biochemically while osteoblast cells were histopathologically at the second, fourth, and sixth weeks. Statistic tests were used to assess differences between groups and periods with statistical significance P<0.05. Nine rabbits in each group showed significant differences between groups K, P1, and P2 in term osteocalcin levels at week 2 (2.60, 4.53±0.12, 4.47±0.23; P=0.046), week 4 (5.13±0.12, 8.53±0.12, 7.47±0.12; P=0.025), and week 6 (8.20, 11.93±0.23, 10.93±0.31, P=0.023), while in term osteoblast cells only at week 6 (16.33±3.46, 26.10±3.52, 30.40±3.29; P=0.006). The osteocalcin level and osteoblast increased significantly between groups K and P1/P2 from the initial trial until the last week. Osteoblast cells in the groups P1/P2 increased significantly, especially at week 6. Green mussel shell HA has the biochemical effectiveness of osteocalcin and can increase osteoblast cells comparable to bovine HA, which can enhance bone healing.

Preparation And Characterization Of Adsorbents From Oil Palm Fronds Coated With Nanochitosan From Green Mussel Shells

This study aims to determine the characteristics of adsorbents made from activated carbon of oil palm fronds coated with nanochitosan from green mussel shells. The provision of adsorbents is carried out by the method of coating. The FTIR characterization results show the presence of N-H groups owned by chitosan, namely at wavenumbers between 3500-3297.33 cm-1. BET characterization gives a carbon surface area yield of 45,657 m2/g, the surface area of activated carbon is 14,255 m2/g and the surface area of activated carbon is coated with nanochitosan 57,057 m2/g. The pore volume of carbon also changed, namely carbon by 0.055 cm3 / g, activated carbon by 0.040 cm3 / g and activated carbon coated with nanochitosan by 0.070 cm3 / g. The results showed that the pore properties of activated carbon changed after coating with nanochitosan which was related to the absorption of activated carbon

Mussel Shells from Marine Aquaculture Act like Ecosystem Engineers: Legacy Effects on Benthic Communities

Ecosystem engineers are organisms that cause changes in the physical state of biotic and abiotic structures that modulate the availability of resources to other species, thus affecting biochemical cycles. Molluscs, especially bivalves such as mussels, are widespread in coastal environments and they are excellent ecosystem engineers because of the durability of their shells, which add complexity and heterogeneity to benthic environments. The presence of mussel farms favours the accumulation of shells in benthic environments and may influence surrounding bare sediments, with potential legacy effects on benthic communities. We studied the effects of the accumulation of mussel shells at finfish farms and mussel farms by experimentally comparing bare sediment and sediment with fragmented shells in terms of the abundance of the most relevant faunal groups, specifically polychaete families as well as physical–chemical variables in sediment water samples, specifically organic matter (OM), redox potential, and acid-volatile sulphides (AVS) NH4+ and PO43−. The experiment was replicated under two environmental conditions over a period of 35 days: eutrophic muddy sediments and oligotrophic sandy sediments. The OM and AVS values were significantly higher in the eutrophic sediment with mussel shells. Only NH4+ was positively affected by the mussel shells in the oligotrophic conditions. Differences between the two environments were observed, and the effect of the mussel shells on the polychaete assemblages was more significant in the oligotrophic conditions. Mussel shell accumulations affected the structure of benthic assemblages by modifying their heterogeneity and complexity, which suggests that the presence of mussel farms above bare sediment may affect ecosystem functioning. Aquaculture has potentially negative or positive effects that must be addressed on a large scale, considering the increased input of organic matter and also the simultaneous presence of mussel shell waste, both of which alter the surrounding environment. This is particularly important in oligotrophic sandy sediment.

Structurally stable but functionally disrupted marine microbial communities under a future climate change scenario: Potential importance for nitrous oxide emissions

The blue mussel Mytilus edulis is a widespread and abundant bivalve species along the North Sea with high economic and ecological importance as an engineer species. The shell of mussels is intensively colonized by microbial organisms that can produce significant quantities of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas. To characterize the impacts of climate change on the composition, structure and functioning of microbial biofilms on the shell surface of M. edulis, we experimentally exposed them to orthogonal combinations of increased seawater temperature (20 vs. 23 °C) and decreased pH (8.0 vs. 7.7) for six weeks. We used amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene to characterize the alpha and beta diversity of microbial communities on the mussel shell. The functioning of microbial biofilms was assessed by measuring aerobic respiration and nitrogen emission rates. We did not report any significant impacts of climate change treatments on the diversity of mussel microbiomes nor on the structure of these communities. Lowered pH and increased temperature had antagonistic effects on the functioning of microbial communities with decreased aerobic respiration and N2O emission rates of microbial biofilms in acidified seawater compared to increased rates in warmer conditions. An overriding impact of acidification over warming was finally observed on N2O emissions when the two factors were combined. Although acidification and warming in combination significantly reduced N2O biofilm emissions, the promotion of aquaculture activities in coastal waters where shellfish do not normally occur at high biomass and density could nonetheless result in unwanted emissions of this greenhouse gas in a near future.

Trace Element Patterns in Shells of Mussels (Bivalvia) Allow to Distinguish between Fresh- and Brackish-Water Coastal Environments of the Subarctic and Boreal Zone

The accumulation of trace metals in the shells of bivalves allows quantitative assessments of environmental pollution and helps to reconstruct paleo aquatic environments. However, the understanding on how marine and freshwater mollusks control the level of trace elements in their shells remains very limited. Here, we compared the trace element composition of marine and freshwater bivalves from boreal and subarctic habitats, using examples of widely distributed species of marine (Mytilus edulis, M. trossulus) and freshwater (Anodonta anatina, Unio sp., Beringiana beringiana) mussels. Sizable differences in several trace element concentrations were detected between different species, depending on their environmental niches. A multiparametric statistical treatment of the shell’s elemental composition allowed to distinguish the impact of external factors (water and sediment chemical composition) from active metabolic (biological) control. In particular, the obtained results demonstrated that Ba:Ca and Pb:Ca ratios in mussels’ shells are closely related to the primary productivity of aquatic ecosystems. The Mn:Ca ratio allowed to constrain the environmental conditions of mussels’ species depending on the trophic state of inhabited waterbody. Overall, the marine mussels exhibited stronger biological control of trace element accumulation, whereas trace element pattern in shells of freshwater mussels was chiefly controlled by environmental factors. The obtained results might help to use the trace element composition of bivalves in distinguishing marine and freshwater habitats of mollusks in paleo environments.