Golden mussel geographic distribution paradox: how can stream theories explain?

Abstract

Aquatic ecosystems have biological, social, and economic importance. Between the 1980s and 2000s, a few theoretical concepts emerged that attempt to provide a better understanding of the function and dynamics of freshwater ecosystems, including biotic and abiotic variables. The rationale for our research was based on observations of the distribution and abundance of an exotic bivalve mollusc, the golden mussel Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857). The species has been recorded from several river basins, but only occurs in large water bodies and fails to reach first-order streams. This study provides an overview of the main stream ecology concepts developed to explain the dynamics of lotic ecosystems in an attempt to solve this paradox. The river continuum concept was the first of many in river ecology. These theoretical concepts are not mutually exclusive, but interdependent. It is expected the main reasons for the non-occurrence of L. fortunei in small streams are twofold: fluctuations in physical and hydrologic conditions in small streams, generating instability, and reduced availability of plankton in first- and second-order streams.

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“…These problems include disease vectors such as mosquitoes and snails; aquatic macrophytes; eutrophication; blue algae blooms, and also the growth of bivalve mollusk populations that can eventually clog fresh water systems. Source: Google Maps® According to Camargo et al (2022a;2022b;2022c) the Limnoperna fortunei, known as the golden mussel has a high potential, with the ability to colonize different types of environments. Since the golden mussel is a filter-feeder, the authors believed that this animal could survive in an extreme environment, such as the effluent from a Sewage Treatment Plant.…”

“…The golden mussel or Limnoperma fortunei has shown expansion of its geographic range, which is due to its high dispersal power and colonization of new environments, as reported by Camargo and collaborators (2022aCamargo and collaborators ( , 2022bCamargo and collaborators ( , 2022c. Camargo et al (2022a) report that although the mussel is showing a large expansion in the area of geographical distribution, there is a paradox of the mussel distribution, because apparently it does not colonize some environments in particular. However, there is great concern that it can colonize environments in sewage treatment plants, as has occurred with raw water treatment plants.…”