Values For Mussels Research Articles

Tracing Groundwater Sources in Coastal Food Webs: Nitrogen and Carbon Isotope Values in Mussels in a Mediterranean Lagoon

Tracing Groundwater Sources in Coastal Food Webs: Nitrogen and Carbon Isotope Values in Mussels in a Mediterranean Lagoon

Acute copper accumulation in Mediterranean mussel and sea snail

In this study, the rate of copper accumulation in mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and sea snail (Rapana venosa) organisms exposed to acutely different non-lethal copper concentrations was investigated for 5 days under laboratory conditions. All soft tissue concentrations were analyzed using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrophotometer. At the end of accumulation, the rate of increase of copper level in mussel and snail soft tissues in different aquariums was found to be 19.19–36.93 and 2.37–7.41 times higher for mussel and snail soft tissues than before exposure, respectively. Differences in metal accumulation at the end of the experiment between species were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In addition, bio-concentration factor and rates of accumulation values were calculated for both organisms. The corresponding bio-concentration factor values for mussels after exposure to 0.12, 0.36, and 0.60 mg L−1 copper were 406.00, 168.41, and 165.16, respectively, while the corresponding bio-concentration factor values for snails after exposure to 0.12, 0.36, and 0.60 mg L−1 copper were 276.29, 272.12, and 265.73, respectively. While accumulation rate values were 10.15, 12.26, and 20.12 for mussels exposed to 0.12, 0.36, and 0.60 mg L−1 copper, respectively, accumulation rate values were 6.85, 19.76, and 31.69 for snails exposed to 0.12, 0.36, and 0.60 mg L−1 copper, respectively.

Biochemical and histopathological impacts of rutile and anatase (TiO2 forms) in Mytilus galloprovincialis

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles have been widely used in various industrial applications and consumer products. Due to their large production and use, they will eventually enter into aquatic environments. Once in the aquatic environment TiO2 particles may interact with the organisms and induce toxic effects. Since the most common crystallographic forms of TiO2 are rutile and anatase, the present study evaluated the effect of these two forms of TiO2 particles in Mytilus galloprovincialis. For this, mussels were exposed to different concentrations of rutile and anatase particles (0, 5, 50, 100 µg/L) for twenty-eight days. Ti concentrations, histopathological alterations and biochemical effects were evaluated. Similar Ti concentrations were found in mussels exposed to rutile and anatase, with the highest values in mussels exposed to the highest exposure concentration. Histopathological results demonstrated that both forms of TiO2 induced alterations on gills and digestive glands along the increasing exposure gradient. Biochemical markers showed that mussels exposed to rutile maintained their metabolic capacity (assessed by the activity of the Electron Transport System, ETS), while anatase increased the metabolism of mussels. Mussels exposed to rutile increased their detoxifying defences which, due to the low tested concentrations, were sufficient to avoid cellular damage. On the other hand, mussels exposed to anatase suffered cellular damages despite the increase of the antioxidant defences which may be related to the high ETS activity. Both rutile and anatase particles were toxic to M. galloprovincialis, being the highest oxidative stress exerted by the crystalline form anatase.

What are Freshwater Mussels Worth?

Historically, little thought was given to the value of freshwater mussels when making decisions that affected these animals and their habitats, even though these values may be considerable, and may be greatly changed by environmental alterations. Here, I review several kinds of values provided by freshwater mussels. Direct-use (market) values of mussels were substantial when the mussels were harvested to provide buttons and pearls, amounting to about $10 billion (2017 dollars) in the USA alone. Current harvests are much smaller but still valuable. Mussels also provide indirect-use value through the ecosystem functions that they provide (water clarification, nutrient cycling, pathogen suppression, etc.). The monetary value of these functions may be substantial, but has not yet been estimated. As interesting, rare creatures, freshwater mussels may also have existence value to society. This value probably is small at present, but could be increased greatly through outreach and education, as could their option and bequest values (the value of saving them for the future). The total value of a freshwater mussel community would be the sum of direct use, indirect use, existence, option, and bequest values, and has not yet been estimated for any real mussel community. Alternatively, one could calculate the replacement value of freshwater mussels (the cost of replacing a mussel community that was damaged or destroyed); procedures for estimating replacement costs have been published. Despite uncertainty about the precise value of freshwater mussels, it is clear that they have substantial value to humans, possibly many millions of dollars in individual ecosystems, which should be taken into account in environmental decision making. Mussel ecologists and biologists can play important roles in helping society better value freshwater mussels.

Element differences and evaluation of the dietary intake from farmed oysters and mussels collected at different sites along the Croatian coast of the Adriatic Sea

Concentrations of the macroelements Ca, Mg, K and Na, microelements Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn and toxic metals As, Cd, Hg and Pb were determined in oysters and mussels collected at farming sites in the northern, central and south Adriatic Sea. Mean concentrations in oysters were (mgkg−1): As 4.51, Ca 1551, Cd 1.44, Cu 53.6, Cr 0.23, Fe 45.9, Hg 0.047, K 2476, Mg 895, Mn 2.80, Na 7148, Pb 0.52, Zn 675. Mean values in mussels were (mgkg−1): As 4.71, Ca 601, Cd 0.37, Cu 1.91, Cr 0.29, Fe 49.6, Hg 0.026, K 2246, Mg 1043, Mn 2.49, Na 7992, Pb 0.58, Zn 28.8. Significant differences in the concentrations of toxic metals and elements were found in oysters and mussels among farming sites. Obtained Cd, Hg and Pb concentration in oysters and mussels were lower than the limit levels set by the European Community. However, Cd concentration exceeded the limit level of 1mgkg−1 in oysters from all locations except Lim Bay. The estimated daily intakes (EDIs) indicate that oysters are a good source of Ca, Cu and Zn. The higher Cu and Zn concentrations than the toxicity reference values suggest a risk for consumers if larger quantities of oysters are consumed frequently.

Spatial patterns of tissue stable isotope contents give insight into the nutritional sources for seep communities on the Gulf of Mexico lower slope

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 498:133-145 (2014) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps10598 Spatial patterns of tissue stable isotope contents give insight into the nutritional sources for seep communities on the Gulf of Mexico lower slope Erin L. Becker1,*, Erik E. Cordes2, Stephen A. Macko3, Raymond W. Lee4, Charles R. Fisher1 1Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, 208 Mueller Laboratory, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA 2Biology Department, Temple University, BL248J, 1900 N. 12th St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 3Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia, Clark Hall, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, USA 4School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, PO Box 644236, Pullman, Washington 99164-4236, USA *Corresponding author: elb209@psu.edu ABSTRACT: In this study, we present the first thorough trophic characterization of cold seep macrofaunal communities on the Gulf of Mexico lower continental slope (>1000 m depth). We analyzed tissue δ13C, δ15N, and δsup>34S of vestimentiferan tubeworms, bathymodiolin mussels, vesicomyid clams, and their associated macrofaunal communities from discrete collections made across the entire lower slope. Over half of macrofauna associated with mussels and about half associated with vestimentiferans had δ13C values below -45‰. We also observed high spatial variability in the δ13C values of entire local communities, and the δ13C of associated fauna were significantly correlated with the δ13C compositions of the symbiotic species from the same location. These data indicate widespread incorporation of methane-derived carbon in mussel and vestimentiferan communities. This finding was particularly surprising in communities associated with older vestimentiferans, given the low rates of seepage observed in similar communities on the upper slope. On average, δ15N values in mussels and their associates were significantly more depleted and more variable than vestimentiferans, clams, and their associates, and there was a significant linear relationship between tissue δ15N values of mussels and their associated communities. The tissue δ34S values in macrofauna associated with vestimentiferans were more variable and significantly more depleted than mussel associates (δ34S = -16.8 to +19.1‰ for vestimentiferan associates and δ34S = -3.1 to +20.8‰ for mussel associates), consistent with higher isotopic fractionation during sulfate reduction in vestimentiferan habitats and a potentially higher nutritional contribution of sulfide-derived organic sulfur in vestimentiferan communities. KEY WORDS: Hydrocarbon seep · Biogenic methane · Sulfide · Vestimentiferan · Bathymodiolin · Vesicomyid · Chemoautotrophy · Methanotrophy Full text in pdf format Supplementary material PreviousNextCite this article as: Becker EL, Cordes EE, Macko SA, Lee RW, Fisher CR (2014) Spatial patterns of tissue stable isotope contents give insight into the nutritional sources for seep communities on the Gulf of Mexico lower slope. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 498:133-145. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps10598 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 498. Online publication date: February 17, 2014 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2014 Inter-Research.

Factors affecting 210Po and 210Pb activity concentrations in mussels and implications for environmental bio-monitoring programmes

The activity of 210Po and 210Pb was determined in mussels of the same size (3.5–4.0 cm shell length) sampled monthly over a 17-month period at the Atlantic coast of Portugal. Average radionuclide concentration values in mussels were 759 ± 277 Bq kg −1 for 210Po (range 460–1470 Bq kg −1 dry weight), and 45 ± 19 Bq kg −1 for 210Pb (range 23–96 Bq kg −1 dry weight). Environmental parameters and mussel biometric parameters were monitored during the same period. Although there was no seasonal variation of radionuclide concentrations in sea water during the study period, the concentration of radionuclide activity in mussels varied seasonally displaying peaks of high concentrations in winter and low concentrations in summer. Analysis of radionuclide data in relation to the physiological Condition Index of mussels revealed that 210Po and 210Pb activities in the mussel (average activity per individual) remained nearly constant during the investigation period, while mussel body weight fluctuated due to fat storage/expenditure in the soft tissues. Similar variation of radionuclide concentrations was observed in mussels transplanted from the sea coast into the Tejo Estuary. However, under estuarine environmental conditions and with higher food availability throughout the year, transplanted mussel Condition Index was higher than in coastal mussels and average radionuclide concentrations were 210 ± 75 Bq kg −1 (dry weight) for 210Po and 10 ± 4 Bq kg −1 (dry weight) for 210Pb, therefore lower than in coastal mussels with similar shell length. It is concluded that the apparent seasonal fluctuation and inter-site difference of radionuclide concentrations were mostly caused by mussel body weight fluctuation and not by radionuclide body burden fluctuation. This interpretation can be extended to the apparent seasonal fluctuation in concentrations of lipophilic and lipophobic contaminants in mussels, and provides an explanation for occasional high concentrations of 210Po and man-made contaminants measured in mussels far from pollution sources.

Spatial variability in Mussels used to assess base level nitrogen isotope ratio in freshwater ecosystems

Freshwater mussels have been used to establish base level nitrogen isotope ratio values (δ15N) used in trophic position and food web studies in freshwater ecosystems. In this study, we assess the variability introduced when using unionid mussels in this manner by investigating the spatial variation in δ15N values in mussels from different locations in shallow freshwater ponds, and also differences in δ15N in different tissue types in the mussels. Results from the analysis of adductor, foot and a section of the mantle tissues from mussels across all ponds showed that adductor tissue was consistently enriched by about 1‰ versus the mantle and foot. The foot showed the least variability which, coupled with ease in obtaining consistent samples, led us to select this tissue type for subsequent analysis. The six ponds included in the study had average mussel δ15N values ranging from 4.9‰ to 11.9‰. Four of the six ponds showed no significant within pond differences between δ15N values from mussels collected at different sampling sites. The range of mussel δ15N values obtained from within ponds showed that using data from a single mussel to assess baseline δ15N values would result in the introduction of a maximum error of 0.56 of a trophic level to subsequent trophic position calculations.

Organo-tins in sediments and mussels from the Sado estuarine system (Portugal).

Analyses of methyl- and butyl-tin levels in freshwater, estuarine and marine sediments from the Sado estuarine system, and in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from its adjacent coast, have been performed in order to detect the contaminated areas. The main inputs of tributyl-tin (TBT), along with degradation products di- and monobutyl-tin (DBT and MBT), were detected in the estuarine zone, due to high discharge from shipyards located in this area. These levels are sometimes very high, ranging from 235 to 12,200 ng g(-1) total butyl-tins in sediments. Such inputs lead to higher bioconcentration values in mussels in the estuarine zone, as well as in a harbour located along the adjacent coast. The bioconcentration of organo-tins in mussel tissues could be enhanced in estuarine turbid waters, due to an ingestion of butyl-tins adsorbed onto fine particles, in comparison with non-turbid coastal waters. Debutylation processes occur in both sediments and mussel tissues; in organisms, these processes may lead to the formation of inorganic tin, which may be methylated differently according to the period of the year.

The common mussel Mytilus edulis as an indicator of trace metals in Scandinavian waters. II. lead, iron and manganese

Concentrations of lead, iron and manganese in whole soft parts of mussels, Mytilus edulis (L.), collected from 54 locations in Scandinavian waters were determined. The indicator ability of the mussel for these metals was tested by considering local variations in concentrations of the three metals in relation to known industrial sources. A general agreement with previous published data was reached; the indicator ability of the mussel for lead and iron was supported over the entire range of salinity prevalent in the study area, whereas that for manganese appeared dubious, at least in low-salinity regions. Consideration of the overall profiles of metal contamination revealed similar trends to those previously reported for zinc and cadmium in mussels from the study area, at least for lead and iron. Thus, higher concentrations of lead and iron were found in mussels from low-salinity waters east of Sweden than in mussels from high-salinity waters west of Sweden. The decrease from the high-metal mussel samples to those with low metal concentrations was apparent in the areas of the Sound and Great Belt, coincident with the mixing of Baltic water with water of Kattegat/Skagerrak origin. Concentrations of manganese in mussels followed this trend only weakly, possibly due to the partial regulation of body loads of this element in M. edulis. The comparison of lead and iron concentrations in mussels with those reported for water suggested a greater biological availability of these metals in the low-salinity water masses east of Sweden. This availability difference may be related to the low primary productivity of these waters compared to the more typically marine waters to the west of Sweden. The comparison of the concentrations of lead and iron in mussels from the present study with those in mussels from other waters of the world showed Swedish coasts to be severely polluted by lead, particularly on the eastern seaboard; iron concentrations are also rather high in the Baltic samples, but decrease in the Sound and Great Belt to much lower levels, which are maintained in Kattegat and Skagerrak. The profiles for manganese reveal rather higher values in mussels from Scandinavian waters than in those from Britain or New Zealand; however, the uncertainty concerning the indicator ability of M. edulis for this element renders the implications of this obscure.