Transplanted zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) as active biomonitors in an effluent‐dominated river

Abstract

For over 20 years, mussels have been recommended as one of the most suitable biomonitoring organisms for aquatic ecosystems. Though the common mussel (Mytilus edulis) is frequently used for biomonitoring estuarine and marine ecosystems, no freshwater species is promoted for similar monitoring networks. Recently, however, the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) has been proposed as a suitable monitoring organism in freshwater ecosystems. The aim of this study was to explore the usefulness of transplanted zebra mussels as active biomonitors in an effluent-dominated stream. Results showed that for these purposes, an exposure period of at least a few weeks is required to detect any significant changes in condition status or scope for growth. Wet-tissue-weight:dry-tissue-weight ratio was the most sensitive measure to quantify effects of field exposure on physiological fitness. In case of scope for growth (SfG), energy intake was the factor determining the overall energy budget of the mussels. Based on the dilution rates of the two different effluents present, effluent 2 had the most important effect on the condition status of the exposed organisms. Overall, we conclude that the use of transplanted mussels is a sensitive and easily applicable active biomonitor that can be used to assess water quality, pollution, and subsequent recovery through self-purification in field situations.

Does zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) represent the freshwater counterpart of Mytilus in ecotoxicological studies? A critical review

“…A 12-month ABM performed on the Vesle river basin (France) transplanting D. polymorpha specimens in four sites with different pollution levels pointed out changes in response of AChE, GST, metallothionein, as well as digestive enzyme activities (amylase, endocellulase) and energy reserve concentrations (Palais et al, 2012). According to Smolders et al (2002), all the studies mentioned above highlighted the use of transplanted mussels as a sensitive and easily applicable tool that can be used to assess water quality, pollution and subsequent recovery through selfpurification in field situations. Lastly, an alternative ABM approach was applied by Binelli et al (2010) investigating the hazard of the chemical pollution of the River Lambro/River Po confluence (Northern Italy).…”

“…Several studies pointed out the usefulness of transplanted zebra mussels as active biomonitors in aquatic environments. Smolders et al (2002) investigated the responses of bivalves transplanted in an effluent-dominated stream, showing that an exposure period of few weeks should be required to detect significant changes in condition status or scope for growth. Klobucar et al (2003) collected zebra mussels from the R. Drava (Croatia) and transplanted them into cages to four monitoring sites having a different pollution degree in the R. Sava (Croatia).…”

A multi-biomarker approach in cross-transplanted mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis

“…The translocation of bioindicator species, especially mussels, from a clean or control site to a polluted study area is a useful strategy for the assessment of water quality in coastal areas, either through bioaccumulation of contaminants or biomarker responses (Regoli and Orlando 1994;Regoli 2000;Da Ros et al 2002;Nasci et al 2002;Riveros et al 2002Riveros et al , 2003Smolders et al 2002;Roméo et al 2003;Bodin et al 2004;Bolognesi et al 2004;Regoli et al 2004;Nigro et al 2006). Caged mussels were chosen as widely validated sentinel organisms for monitoring anthropogenic activities in the Mediterranean (Regoli 1992(Regoli , 2000Roméo et al 2003;Regoli et al 2004;Nigro et al 2006;Damiens et al 2007;Viarengo et al 2007;Gorbi et al 2008) and other coastal areas in Europe (Rank et al 2007;Wepener et al 2008).…”

Metallothionein is up-regulated in molluscan responses to cadmium, but not aluminum, exposure

“…D. polymorpha is often cited as a useful organism for biomonitoring (Smolders et al, 2002), while L. stagnalis is known to exhibit sublethal toxicity in the presence of both Al and Cd (Coeurdassier et al, 2004;Walton et al, 2009). Exposure concentrations of the metals were chosen as being toxic but sublethal to L. stagnalis (Coeurdassier et al, 2004;Walton et al, 2009), yet indicative of polluted freshwaters (Boult et al, 1994;Dixon and Gardner, 1998).…”