The TRANSAQUA model applied to zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) used for the biomonitoring of 137Cs and 106Ru contamination

1998 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. 999-1009 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Garnier-Laplace ◽  
F Vray ◽  
J P Baudin ◽  
L Jourd'heuil
Keyword(s):  
Suspended Matter ◽  
Zebra Mussel ◽  
Dreissena Polymorpha ◽  
Zebra Mussels ◽  
Pollutant Concentrations ◽  
Model Transfer ◽  
Aquatic Food ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Reprocessing Plant ◽  
Fuel Reprocessing

The dynamics of contamination of the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) by two artificial radionuclides, 106Ru and 137Cs, were quantified in a simplified experimental ecosystem. Main sources of contamination (water, phytoplankton, and other natural suspended matter) were considered. The kinetic constants of accumulation and elimination governing each transfer in the ecosystem were used to calibrate the TRANSAQUA model (TRANSfer of radionuclides along AQUAtic food chains). This model was run to simulate the time series of pollutant concentrations within a population of zebra mussels in the Rhone River downstream of the Marcoule fuel reprocessing plant. The ecological parameters considered included the seasonal cycle of phytoplankton and the mussel clearance rate. The TRANSAQUA model was validated on the basis of a comparison between the simulated results and the data from quarterly gamma spectrometry measurements of samples from the mussel population. Almost all field data were within the range of simulated concentrations, except a few points sampled just after periods of flood or low water. For 106Ru, the water pathway was predominant for the whole mussel, almost reaching 80%. For 137Cs, the ingestion of natural suspended matter, other than phytoplankton, was the main route explaining the contamination of the entire mussel.

Zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) effects on sediment, other zoobenthos, and the diet and growth of adult yellow perch (Perca flavescens) in pond enclosures

1997 ◽  
Vol 54 (8) ◽  
pp. 1903-1915 ◽  
Author(s):  
S A Thayer ◽  
R C Haas ◽  
R D Hunter ◽  
R H Kushler
Keyword(s):  
Zebra Mussel ◽  
Dreissena Polymorpha ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Perca Flavescens ◽  
Structural Heterogeneity ◽  
Zebra Mussels ◽  
Zooplankton Density ◽  
Growth Differences ◽  
Percent Nitrogen ◽  
Induced Changes

Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) in enclosures located in an experimental pond adjacent to Lake St. Clair, Michigan, increased sedimentation rate but had relatively minor effects on percent organic matter and percent nitrogen content of sediment. In contrast, sediment from Lake St. Clair adjacent to zebra mussels was significantly higher in carbon than that 0.5 m away. Zebra mussels increase the nutritional value of surficial sediment and provide greater structural heterogeneity, which is probably more important in causing change among zoobenthos. Zoobenthos and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) diet were dominated by dipteran larvae and leeches. Zoobenthos was significantly different between enclosures with and without zebra mussels. Treatments with zebra mussels had significantly more oligochaetes and tended to have more crustaceans (isopods and amphipods). In June, yellow perch without zebra mussels consumed significantly more zooplankton, and those with mussels had more crustaceans in their diet. Zooplankton density was greater in treatments without zebra mussels. Yellow perch with zebra mussels grew significantly more than those without mussels. Zebra mussels in the enclosures neither reproduced nor were eaten by yellow perch; hence. the observed growth differences were due to indirect effects involving zebra mussel induced changes in benthic structure and biota.

A review of the early life history of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha): comparisons with marine bivalves

1994 ◽  
Vol 72 (7) ◽  
pp. 1169-1179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josef Daniel Ackerman ◽  
Blair Sim ◽  
S. Jerrine Nichols ◽  
Renata Claudi
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Zebra Mussel ◽  
Dreissena Polymorpha ◽  
Early Life History ◽  
Zebra Mussels ◽  
Larval Shell ◽  
Planktonic Larva ◽  
External Fertilization ◽  
Marine Bivalves ◽  
History Of

The ecological and economic impacts of the introduced zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas)) have been due in part to a life history that is conserved with marine bivalves but unique among the indigenous freshwater fauna. There are a number of life history events in D. polymorpha that follow external fertilization and embryology. The first is a brief trochophore stage. The development of a velum and secretion of a larval shell lead to a D-shaped veliger, which is the first recognizable planktonic larva. Later a second larval shell is secreted and this veliconcha is the last obligate free-swimming veliger. Conversely, the last larval stage, the pediveliger, can either swim using its velum or crawl using its foot. Pediveligers select substrates on which they "settle" by secreting byssal threads and undergo metamorphosis to become plantigrade mussels. The secretion of the adult shell and change in growth axis lead to the convergent heteromyarian shape. Zebra mussels produce byssal threads as adults, but these attachments may be broken, enabling the mussels to translocate to new areas. The recognition of these life history features will lead to a better understanding of zebra mussel biology. In summary, life history stages of zebra mussels are similar to those of marine bivalves and should be identified morphologically rather than on the basis of size.

Interactions between zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) and microbial communities

2000 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 591-599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc E Frischer ◽  
Sandra A Nierzwicki-Bauer ◽  
Robert H Parsons ◽  
Kanda Vathanodorn ◽  
Kelli R Waitkus
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Communities ◽  
Zebra Mussel ◽  
Dreissena Polymorpha ◽  
Hudson River ◽  
Zebra Mussels ◽  
Community Diversity ◽  
Ecological Effect ◽  
Clearance Rates ◽  
Surrounding Water ◽  
The Impact

Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) have had an enormous impact on aquatic environments. However, little is known concerning their interactions with microbial communities. In these studies, the ability of zebra mussels to derive nutrition from bacterioplankton and their effect on microbial community diversity were investigated in samples from the Hudson River, New York, and in laboratory studies. Clear physiological responses to starvation were observed, including decreases in respiration rates, lipid content, and total weight, that were reversed after feeding zebra mussels a diet of bacteria. Clearance rates of bacteria were correlated with bacteria size (r2= 0.995), with the lowest clearance rates associated with small indigenous river bacteria (size = 0.03 ± 0.04 µm3, clearance rate = 0.08 ± 0.02 mL·mussel-1·min-1). Comparison of the diversity of microbial communities in zebra mussel tissue extract, detritus, and pseudofecal material associated with zebra mussel colonies, surrounding water, and sediment samples revealed distinct microbial assemblages associated with these environments. The overall ecological effect and importance of bacteria - zebra mussel interactions remains unclear, but these studies indicate that these interactions occur and should be included in our efforts to better understand the impact of zebra mussels on aquatic systems.

Response of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) in Oneida Lake, New York, to the establishment of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha)

2000 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 742-754 ◽  
Author(s):  
C M Mayer ◽  
A J VanDeValk ◽  
J L Forney ◽  
L G Rudstam ◽  
E L Mills
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Zebra Mussel ◽  
Dreissena Polymorpha ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Perca Flavescens ◽  
Water Clarity ◽  
Zebra Mussels ◽  
Oneida Lake ◽  
Zooplankton Size ◽  
Adult Growth

We used long-term data on Oneida Lake, New York, to evaluate hypotheses about the effects of introduced zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) on yellow perch (Perca flavescens). We detected no change in survival, diet, or numbers of young-of-the-year (YOY) yellow perch. YOY growth increased in association with zebra mussel introduction and was marginally correlated with zooplankton size, which increased after zebra mussel introduction. Low numbers of YOY in recent years did not explain their increased growth rate. The percentage of age 3 and older yellow perch that consumed zooplankton and benthos increased after zebra mussel introduction. Water clarity, which has increased since zebra mussel introduction, was inversely related to the percentage of the adult population with empty stomachs and positively related to the percentage that consumed benthos. The percentage of adult yellow perch that consumed zooplankton was positively related to zooplankton size. Despite the increase in percentage of adults consuming both types of invertebrate prey, we detected no changes in adult growth associated with zebra mussel introduction. This suggests that the principal effects of zebra mussels on yellow perch in Oneida Lake were not via benthic pathways but through modifications of water clarity and zooplankton. Thus far, these effects have not been negative for the yellow perch population.

scholarly journals Zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) selective filtration promoted toxic Microcystis blooms in Saginaw Bay (Lake Huron) and Lake Erie

2001 ◽  
Vol 58 (6) ◽  
pp. 1208-1221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry A Vanderploeg ◽  
James R Liebig ◽  
Wayne W Carmichael ◽  
Megan A Agy ◽  
Thomas H Johengen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Zebra Mussel ◽  
Dreissena Polymorpha ◽  
Lake Erie ◽  
Laboratory Strain ◽  
Zebra Mussels ◽  
Lake Huron ◽  
Feeding Rates ◽  
Saginaw Bay ◽  
Western Lake ◽  
Filtering Rates

Microcystis aeruginosa, a planktonic colonial cyanobacterium, was not abundant in the 2-year period before zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) establishment in Saginaw Bay (Lake Huron) but became abundant in three of five summers subsequent of mussel establishment. Using novel methods, we determined clearance, capture, and assimilation rates for zebra mussels feeding on natural and laboratory M. aeruginosa strains offered alone or in combination with other algae. Results were consistent with the hypothesis that zebra mussels promoted blooms of toxic M. aeruginosa in Saginaw Bay, western Lake Erie, and other lakes through selective rejection in pseudofeces. Mussels exhibited high feeding rates similar to those seen for a highly desirable food alga (Cryptomonas) with both large ( >53 µm) and small (<53 µm) colonies of a nontoxic and a toxic laboratory strain of M. aeruginosa known to cause blockage of feeding in zooplankton. In experiments with naturally occurring toxic M. aeruginosa from Saginaw Bay and Lake Erie and a toxic isolate from Lake Erie, mussels exhibited lowered or normal filtering rates with rejection of M. aeruginosa in pseudofeces. Selective rejection depended on "unpalatable" toxic strains of M. aeruginosa occurring as large colonies that could be rejected efficiently while small desirable algae were ingested.

A method for reconstruction of zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) length from shell fragments

1992 ◽  
Vol 70 (12) ◽  
pp. 2486-2490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana J. Hamilton
Keyword(s):  
Zebra Mussel ◽  
Dreissena Polymorpha ◽  
Lake Erie ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Zebra Mussels ◽  
Selective Predation ◽  
Diving Ducks ◽  
Point Pelee ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Shell Fragments

Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are subject to size-selective predation by several species of diving ducks and fish in Europe and North America. Ingested mussels are crushed, but the internal septum in the umbonal region of the mussel usually remains intact. Using mussels collected at Point Pelee, Lake Erie, I showed that there is a strong relationship between the length of the septum and of the mussel (r2 = 0.96). I compared this with a similar relationship developed for European zebra mussels and tested both models on mussels collected from Point Pelee and from Stoney Point, Lake St. Clair. Septal length relative to mussel length was greatest at Stoney Point and least at Point Pelee. The European estimates fell between the two. I concluded that to obtain accurate estimates of mussel length when investigating size-selective predation on zebra mussels, the relationship between mussel and septal lengths should be determined at each study location.

Development of macroinvertebrate community structure associated with zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) colonization of artificial substrates

1995 ◽  
Vol 73 (8) ◽  
pp. 1438-1443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia A. Wisenden ◽  
Robert C. Bailey
Keyword(s):  
Community Structure ◽  
Shallow Water ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Zebra Mussel ◽  
Dreissena Polymorpha ◽  
Lake Erie ◽  
Zebra Mussels ◽  
Artificial Substrates ◽  
Macroinvertebrate Communities ◽  
Protected Site

We used artificial substrates (rocks < 1500 cm2 surface area) in shallow water (2 m) to assess the development of epilithic macroinvertebrate communities in the presence of zebra mussels. At a turbulent site (Wheatley, Lake Erie), previously colonized (with a non-zebra mussel community) and uncolonized rocks left for 1 year both had lower densities of total invertebrates than previously colonized rocks recovered after only 1 day. As zebra mussels colonized the rocks, Gammarus sp. (amphipods) increased in density, while Chironomini and Tanypodinae (midges), Polycentropus sp. (caddisflies), and Physella sp. and Pleurocera sp. (snails) declined. At a protected site (Stoney Point, Lake St. Clair), previously colonized rocks initially (2 months) had higher densities of many taxa, including zebra mussels, than uncolonized rocks. This difference disappeared after 1 year, as zebra mussels increased on all rocks. Gammarus sp. maintained its numbers, while Tricladida (flatworms) increased and Oecetis sp. (caddisflies), Physella sp., Pleurocera sp., and Tanypodinae declined. Although a similar "zebra mussel – amphipod" community developed on rocks at both sites, we hypothesize that at the turbulent site, zebra mussels and amphipods have a shared tolerance of unstable habitats, and zebra mussels facilitate amphipod colonization of rocks by increasing microhabitat stability and food supply. At the protected site, zebra mussels outcompete other surface dwellers like snails for space, and facilitate the colonization of scavenger–omnivores like amphipods and flatworms.

Population genetics of the zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas): local allozyme differentiation within midwestern lakes and streams

2000 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 637-643 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin M Lewis ◽  
Jeffrey L Feder ◽  
Gary A Lamberti
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Heterogeneity ◽  
Zebra Mussel ◽  
Dreissena Polymorpha ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Zebra Mussels ◽  
Population Subdivision ◽  
Fine Scale ◽  
Freshwater Bivalve ◽  
Free Swimming ◽  
Allozyme Loci

Several aquatic invertebrates with free-swimming larvae have paradoxically demonstrated fine-scale genetic heterogeneity. In this study, we tested for genetic heterogeneity in an exotic freshwater bivalve, the zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas), which like many marine molluscs has a free-swimming larval stage. Zebra mussels were collected from 22 sites in the Great Lakes and from a small inland lake complex in southwestern Michigan and scored for 13 allozyme loci. Sites were sampled in a hierarchical fashion to assess the spatial scale of genetic variation. Zebra mussel populations exhibited significant genetic heterogeneity on a local scale within lakes, even though populations remained homogenous on a larger regional scale between lakes or lake complexes. The allozyme loci that exhibited heterogeneity differed from lake to lake. Populations also displayed significant heterozygote deficiencies from Hardy-Weinberg expectations for a majority of loci, implying population subdivision and (or) inbreeding on a fine scale. Our results suggest that local genetic differentiation for zebra mussels is both spatially and temporally fluid and is the product of stochastic processes, such as spawning asynchrony and uneven mixing of larval cohorts, rather than natural selection.

Indirect effects of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) on the planktonic food web

2003 ◽  
Vol 60 (11) ◽  
pp. 1353-1368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erik G Noonburg ◽  
Brian J Shuter ◽  
Peter A Abrams
Keyword(s):  
Food Web ◽  
Indirect Effects ◽  
Zebra Mussel ◽  
Dreissena Polymorpha ◽  
Abiotic Factors ◽  
Zebra Mussels ◽  
Trophic Groups ◽  
Planktonic Food ◽  
Zooplankton Density ◽  
The Impact

The exotic zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) has caused dramatic reductions in phytoplankton density in lakes with dense mussel populations. However, the indirect effects of this invader on other trophic groups have been inconsistent and difficult to interpret. In some lakes, zebra mussels appear to have had little effect on zooplankton density, despite decreasing the abundance of their phytoplankton prey. We analyze food web models to test hypothesized mechanisms for the absence of a strong effect of dreissenids on zooplankton. Our results suggest that neither reduced inedible algal interference with zooplankton filtering nor reduced phytoplankton self-shading is sufficient to explain the insensitivity of zooplankton populations to dreissenid competition. Instead, we show how the impact of benthic filter feeders can be influenced by the rate of mixing within a basin, which limits phytoplankton delivery to the benthos. We explore the predictions of a simple spatially structured model and demonstrate that differences in abiotic factors that control mixing can result in large differences in direct and indirect effects of zebra mussel filtering.

Effects of inorganic sediment and food concentrations on energetic processes of the zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha: implications for growth in turbid rivers

1998 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 401-413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharook P Madon ◽  
Daniel W Schneider ◽  
James A Stoeckel ◽  
Richard E Sparks
Keyword(s):  
Food Quality ◽  
Zebra Mussel ◽  
Dreissena Polymorpha ◽  
Metabolic Cost ◽  
Zebra Mussels ◽  
Growth Potential ◽  
Quality Indices ◽  
Population Densities ◽  
Scope For Growth ◽  
Food Concentrations

We examined the effects of inorganic suspended sediment (0, 1, 10, and 100 mg ·L-1) and food concentrations (0.1, 0.5, and 2.0 mg particulate organic matter (POM) ·L-1) on clearance, ingestion, respiration, feces, and pseudofeces production rates and assimilation efficiencies of adult zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) under laboratory conditions at 20 ± 1°C. Food quality indices (the proportion of inorganic to organic material in feeding suspensions = IO ratios) ranged from 0.304 to 63.04. Suspended inorganic sediment above 1 mg ·L-1 greatly reduced clearance rates, ingestion rates, and assimilation efficiencies of zebra mussels, and ingestion of POM was maintained only at high food concentrations. Pseudofeces were produced copiously by zebra mussels in the 100 mg ·L-1 sediment treatment, and there appeared to be an increased metabolic cost associated with pseudofeces production. Declining food quality caused exponential declines in clearance, ingestion, and absorption rates, water processing potential, and assimilation efficiencies, with the sharpest declines between IO ratios of 0.304 and 5.0. IO ratios in turbid rivers often exceed 1.71, our experimental threshold where scope for growth for zebra mussels was zero. We contend that zebra mussels in turbid rivers may exhibit low growth potential and may not stabilize at the high population densities seen in their lake counterparts.

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