42 research outputs found
Effect of sub-lethal concentrations of aluminium on the filtration activity of the freshwater mussel Anodonta cygnea L. at neutral pH
Significant amounts of aluminium (Al) are commonly present in rivers and lakes, largely in particulate
form in neutral waters. Freshwater bivalves, as filter feeders are therefore exposed to both particulate and
dissolved metal and are potentially vulnerable to Al.
The effect of Al on filtering behaviour of the freshwater mussel Anodonta cygnea L. was investigated
during short (1 hour) and long-term (15 days) exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations
(250 and 500 ”g lâ1) at neutral pH. Water flow through the outflow siphon was monitored as an indicator
of pumping capacity.
Short-term (1 hour) exposure to 500 ”g lâ1 added Al produced an irreversible decrease in the duration
of filtering periods, presumably as an avoidance response to the toxicant. One-hour exposure 250 ”g lâ1
Al had no detectable effect. When mussels were exposed to 250 or 500 ”g lâ1 added Al for 15 days,
siphon activity measured in days 11â15 of exposure was inhibited by 50% and 65%, respectively, compared
to pre-exposure levels. Recovery occurred following transfer of mussels to uncontaminated water.
Interaction between Al and freshwater bivalves at neutral pH may affect both the performance of the
mussels and the chemical speciation of the metal in the natural environment