Concentrations and classification of HCHs and DDTs in soil from the lower reaches of the Jiulong River, China

Soil is an important source to other environmental media and organisms for organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) bioaccumulation. Twenty-four representative surface soil samples were collected from the lower reaches of the Jiulong River, China, in 2009. The concentrations of hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs) ranged from 0.38 to 39.52 ng·g^?1, with a mean value of 9.51 ng·g^?1. The concentrations of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) and their metabolites were within the ranges of 0.94–700.99 ng·g^?1, with a mean value of 71.17 ng·g^?1. The concentrations of HCHs and DDTs in the soil were lower than the first grade level (50 ng·g^?1) of the Chinese Environmental Quality Standard (GB15618-1995). Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) and Pearson’s bivariate Correlations Analysis (PCA) were used to analyse the distribution and contamination levels of OCPs in this region. The results showed that DDTs were the major contaminants and there were no significant correlations between various OCPs concentrations and the total organic carbon (TOC) contents. A significant positive correlation was observed between HCHs and DDTs (p<0.01), which indicates that HCHs and DDTs may have similar sources and fate in the study area.     

赣江流域中下游底泥中有机氯农药污染特征

为了解赣江流域有机氯农药污染状况,采用索氏提取方法（Soxhlet Extraction,SE）和气相色谱法（GC-ECD）,对所采集的18个底泥样品中10种有机氯农药（OCPs）的残留进行测定,并对其组分分布和来源进行了分析。结果表明,所有样品均检出10种有机氯农药,底泥中∑OCPs质量分数范围为11.813-39.197μg·kg-1,HCHs、DDTs质量分数范围分别为1.636-20.877μg·kg-1和5.590-14.092μg·kg-1,HCHs的质量分数低于DDTs,六氯苯（HCB）和七氯（Heptachlor）的质量分数相对较低,分别为0.229-6.940μg·kg-1和0.507-3.936μg·kg-1。组分分布特征分析表明,它们除了来自环境中的早期残留外,仍然具有大量新的外源HCHs和DDTs的输入,可能是新的林丹输入以及三氯杀螨醇的使用,这可能与近年来沿江农业的发展有关。     

Organochlorine Residues in Coastal Birds From the Vellar River Watershed Areas,Parangipettai, Southern India

Organochlorine contaminants (HCHs, DDTs and PCBs) in the muscle tissues of 12 bird species collected from Vellar River watershed areas (S. India) were determined. the accumulation pattern of organochlorine residues in birds of different feeding groups for HCHs and PCBs was: scavengers > inland piscivores > coastal piscivores > insectivores. the pattern for DDTs was: coastal piscivores > scavengers > insectivores > inland piscivores. Scavengers accumulated all the three organochlorines to a higher degree than the other groups of birds. Marked variations in the accumulation pattern by different species and individuals of birds to the same and different organochlorine residues were observed. the differences in the accumulation pattern of residues in different species of birds with similar feeding habits could be attributed to different feeding areas and because migrants are exposed to contaminants in different geographical locations. HCH residues were generally found in higher concentrations than DDTs, reflecting increasing use of HCH pesticides since banning of DDT for agriculture. Levels of PCBs were lower than in birds in developed countries. Results are discussed in relation to future pest control and industrialisation in India.     

Residues and sources of organochlorine pesticides in soils of elementary schools and communities in Wenchuan 5.12 Earthquake-affected areas

The disinfectants and pesticides extensively used after Wenchuan 5.12 Earthquake on May 12, 2008 (so-called Wenchuan 5.12 Earthquake), for epidemic prevention purpose can raise great concerns of environmental pollution and potential personal exposure. To investigate the soil pollution caused by the intensive application in earthquake-affected areas, surface soil samples from two elementary schools, two communities and two background areas were collected in Beichuan County and Dujiangyan City once per location in spring and in autumn in 2011 and then analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry for organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). The results showed serious soil pollution of hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs, 0.05–60.05 ng/g) and dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDTs, 0.06–35.79 ng/g) in the study areas compared with Wolong Nature Reserve (0.03–0.81 ng/g for HCHs and 0.02–0.40 ng/g for DDTs). The concentrations of most OCPs in soil of Beichuan County (e.g., 0.10–60.05 ng/g for HCHs and 0.17–35.79 ng/g for DDTs) were much higher than those of Dujiangyan City (e.g., 0.05–20.58 ng/g for HCHs and 0.06–10.69 ng/g for DDTs). In Beichuan County, the highest concentrations of HCHs and DDTs were found in the elementary school. In Dujiangyan City, the highest concentrations of HCHs and DDTs were found in the elementary school and the community, respectively. The concentrations of HCHs and DDTs were generally higher in spring than those in autumn. The predominant species (γ-HCH in ∑HCHs and 4,4′-DDT in ∑DDTs) and specific ratios suggested new inputs of lindane and technical DDT in the study areas. Therefore, continuous soil monitoring and possible intervention would be recommended to minimize local residents’ exposure to these toxic chemicals.     

Spatial and temporal trends in heavy metal concentrations in mussels from Northern Ireland coastal waters

Data are presented on the heavy metal concentrations in mussels, Mytilus edulis (L), sampled over a 1 yr period (August 1980–August 1981) from Northern Ireland coastal waters. The study was aimed at investigating the spatial extent and temporal trends in heavy metal contamination and highlighting any areas with exceptionally high levels of toxic metals. With the exception of two sites with high values for mercury and chromium, respectively, contamination by metals was relatively low. Significant spatial and temporal differences in the concentrations of several metals were found. There were also significant spatial x temporal interactions for all the metals studied. Significant negative correlations between the percentage dry matter content of mussels and the concentrations of several metals were found. There were also significant positive correlations between certain pairs of metals. It is proposed that small variations in contamination of the marine environment can be detected by subtle differences in the concentration of metals in mussels and that mussel condition may be adversely affected by metal contamination.     

Health risks of heavy metals in the mediterranean mussels as seafood

In recent years, mussels have already become commercially important seafood species worldwide. Mussels accumulate a wide range of metals in their soft tissue. Thus, the determination of accumulated concentrations of heavy metals, such as Pb, Cd, Hg, and As, in mussels is essential because of their usage as seafood and the potential adverse effects of their consumption on human health. In this review, these issues are presented and discussed using the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis as an example. M. galloprovincialis is very efficient at converting low value victuals into high quality animal protein. The production of M. galloprovincialis in Mediterranean countries has been increasing rapidly, but Spain is still the largest producer of mussels. Only China has a larger production of these mussels than Spain. M. galloprovincialis is a filter feeding animal and accumulates a wide range of metals from their environment. The metal concentrations in the soft tissue of M. galloprovincialis are indicators of marine ecosystems contamination. In the same time, the bioaccumulation of heavy metals remains an issue concerning the consumption of mussels. Thereby, the Cd, Pb, Hg, and As concentration measurement in mussel soft tissue as a seafood have become significant. A review of literature data revealed large variations in the Cd, Pb, Hg, and As concentrations in M. galloprovincialis from their endemic areas, e.g., Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Black Sea, and the concentrations of these toxic metals were generally in the following order: As > Pb > Cd > Hg. The guidelines on heavy metals for seafood safety set by different countries and associations are reviewed. Comparison of the published data with European legislation showed that the levels of the heavy metals generally did not exceed the existing limits in all the mussels analyzed, excluding mussels from hot spots, such as lagoons and harbors, in the Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Black Sea.     

Assimilation of trace elements by the mussel Mytilus edulis: effects of diatom chemical composition

Mussels have been widely used as bioindicators of coastal contamination, and recent reports have demonstrated that metals are accumulated from both the dissolved phase and from ingested food. In the winter and spring of 1995, we examined the influence of the chemical composition of food (protein content, trace element concentrations and ratios in the diatom Thalassiosira pseudomana) on the assimilation of six trace elements (Ag, Am, Cd, Co, Se and Zn) in the mussel Mytilus edulis (L.). Differences of up to 38% in diatom protein content had no major influence on the assimilation of any trace element or carbon. Protein assimilation in M. edulis examined with a ³⁵S radiotracer was also independent of protein content in the diatoms. Similarly, Se assimilation in mussels was not affected by the different Se concentrations in the diatoms. Cd assimilation increased with increasing Cd concentration, presumably due to higher desorption of Cd under acidic conditions typical of the mussel gut. Zn assimilation was inversely related to Zn concentration in the food particles, implying a partial regulation of this metal in the mussels. There was no evidence of any interaction of Cd and Zn in their assimilation by the mussels. These results suggest that mussels are highly responsive, in an element-specific way, to some components of ingested food (e.g., metal concentration), but other food components (such as the biochemical composition of the algae) have little effect on assimilation.     

珠江水产品中滴滴涕和六六六残留特征及风险评价

以珠江河口水生食物链较顶端的鱼类和虾类作为研究对象,利用气相色谱(GC-ECD)法检测分析了有机氯农药滴滴涕(DDTs)和六六六(HCHs)及其单体在这些水生动物体内的残留水平和特征,以期为珠江流域水生生物生态风险评价提供基础资料和科学依据。结果显示,鱼类肌肉中的DDTs含量(以湿质量计)范围为未检出(nd)～42.73μg.kg-1(平均值为7.61μg.kg-1),在虾类肌肉中的含量范围为nd～9.51μg.kg-1(平均值为1.97μg.kg-1);鱼类肌肉中的HCHs含量范围为nd～1.71μg.kg-1(平均值为0.62μg.kg-1),在虾类肌肉中的含量范围为nd～0.86μg.kg-1(平均值为0.56μg.kg-1)。鱼类肌肉中DDTs和HCHs的残留均值高于虾类,而鱼类和虾类体内DDTs的残留量均高于HCHs的残留量。HCHs、DDTs的单体分别以γ-HCH、p,p'-DDT的含量最高,而且近期都有新的污染源输入。所采集的水产品中DDTs、HCHs残留量尚低于我国的无公害水产品质量安全标准要求(GB18406.4),亦低于日本、欧盟等发达国家和地区相关的最大残留限量,因此,DDTs、HCHs通过膳食的暴露暂时不会对该地区的人体健康产生危害。     

Ecological and health risks of DDTs and HCHs in surface water from the upper reaches of the Huaihe River

Based on the available toxicity data and the concentrations of DDTs and HCHs in surface water from the upper reaches of the Huaihe River, overlapping areas of probability density and margin of safety (MOS₁₀) were used to estimate the risk levels of DDTs and HCHs to aquatic organisms. The overlapping areas of α-HCH, γ-HCH, p,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDD, and p,p′-DDT were found to be 9.3 × 10^?5, 4.6 × 10^?3, 4.3 × 10^?2, 2.2 × 10^?2, and 4.2 × 10^?2, respectively. The risks from DDTs were higher than those from HCHs, the risk from α-HCH being the smallest. The MOS₁₀ values of α-HCH, γ-HCH, p,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDD, and p,p′-DDT were 2.6 × 10³, 97, 5.9, 15, and 8.6, respectively, i.e. greater than 1.0, indicating limited overlaps between the distributions of exposure concentrations and of toxicity data, and thus minimal ecological risk. Health risk calculations based on incremental lifetime risks for HCHs and DDTs were conducted to evaluate human cancer risk and non-carcinogenic hazard. The total cancer risks from organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the studied area were in the range of 10^?8–10^?7, lower than the baseline value of acceptable risk (10^?6). Non-carcinogenic hazard indices of OCPs ranging from 10^?6 to 10^?5 were much lower than the threshold values (1.0). These results suggest that the water from the upper reaches of the Huaihe River does not pose any health risk for local residents using river water as a source for drinking water.     

深圳湾典型有机氯农药的生物累积及其人体健康风险

位于深圳与香港之间的深圳湾是一个典型的亚热带海湾,在过去的二、三十年间,海湾的生态环境发生了巨大变化.为了更好地理解深圳湾有机氯农药(OCPs)的污染现状及其生物累积规律,于2004年2月采集了该海域23个鱼类、虾类、蟹类生物样品,分析了其体内滴滴涕(DDT)、六六六(HCH)和氯丹(CHL)各组分的含量,并对其人体健康风险进行了初步评价.结果表明,深圳湾海域鱼类DDTs、HCHs和CHLs含量范围分别为1.84～286.83、0.08～1.85、0.45～118.81ng·g-1ww(鲜重),肉食性鱼类OCPs含量通常较高;与其它海区相比,深圳湾海域水生生物体中DDTs的含量相对较高,部分鱼类样品中DDTs含量超过我国海洋生物质量国家标准(GB18421-2001)的二级标准,HCHs和CHLs则相对较低;生物体中DDTs、HCHs、CHLs的含量与其脂含量呈显著正相关(p<0.01);鱼类中DDTs、HCHs和CHLs的危害指数(HR)分析显示,目前食用深圳湾鱼类对人体正常健康(非癌症)基本无影响,但却存在潜在的致癌风险.     

太原市土壤六六六和滴滴涕的暴露格局及健康风险

为研究六六六(HCHs)和滴滴涕(DDTs)在太原市不同功能区土壤中的暴露格局、来源以及对周围人群的健康风险,在太原市化工区、灌区、矿区、生态区周边荒地土壤中进行采样,分析测定了土壤中HCHs和DDTs含量,根据太原市人群实际情况的暴露参数和USEPA的部分参数,对土壤HCHs和DDTs的健康风险进行评价。结果表明:1)太原市表层土壤中HCHs的平均含量大小依次为化工区>灌区>矿区>生态区;DDTs平均含量的大小依次为化工区>灌区>矿区>生态区,仅6%的HCHs和3%的DDTs和的平均残留水平均高于我国土壤质量标准一级标准,但均不超过二级标准值;2)土壤中HCHs残留主要源于历史上林丹的使用,DDTs残留则来源于历史和新污染源的共同影响;3)太原市表层土壤HCHs和DDTs致癌风险大小为化工园区>矿区>灌区>生态区。非致癌风险大小为化工区>矿区>灌区>生态区。3种暴露途径的在不同功能区的健康风险贡献率大小均为经口摄入>呼吸吸入>皮肤接触;综合来看太原市表层土壤中的HCHs和DDTs并未对人类造成非致癌风险,但有一定的致癌风险。本文的研究结果可为太原市土壤质量评价和环境污染防治提供科学指导,并对太原市人群的健康风险防治提供依据。     

The common mussel Mytilus edulis as an indicator of pollution by zinc,cadmium, lead and copper. I. Effects of environmental variables on uptake of metals

The net uptake of zinc, cadmium, lead and copper by the common mussel Mytilus edulis (L.) exposed to different conditions was investigated with a view to using this species as an indicator of contamination of the marine environment by these metals. The variables studied were season, position of the mussel in the water column, water salinity, water temperature, and the simultaneous presence of all four metals. Each of these 5 variables affected the net uptake of some or all of the metals studied under some conditions. Seasonal variation in concentrations of zinc, cadmium and copper was found in samples collected at three separate locations. The relationship of seasonal variation to tissue weight and absorption route of the metals is discussed. Near to freshwater inputs of trace metals, the concentrations of zinc, cadmium and lead in mussels were found to vary according to the depth at which the mussels were collected; in summer when freshwater run-off is less, this effect was absent. Low salinities did not affect the net uptake of zinc by mussels, but increased the net uptake of cadmium and decreased that of lead. Low temperatures had no effect on the net uptake of zinc or lead; the net uptake of cadmium was unaffected by low temperatures at high salinities but was decreased by low temperatures at low salinities. The presence of the other metals had no effect on the individual net uptake of either zinc, cadmium or lead. A sampling programme was devised to eliminate the effects of these environmental variables and to allow the use of M. edulis as an indicator of zinc, cadmium and lead in marine and estuarine environments. In contrast to the other metals, the net uptake of copper by the mussel was extremely erratic, and was affected by salinity and temperature changes and by the presence of the other metals and changes in their relative concentrations. The effects of other metals on the net uptake of copper cannot be easily eliminated or allowed for; it is, therefore, suggested that the mussel should not be used as an indicator of copper in the marine environment.     

The common mussel Mytilus edulis as an indicator of trace metals in Scandinavian waters. I. Zinc and cadmium

Concentrations of zinc and cadmium in whole soft parts of mussels, Mytilus edulis (L.), collected from 54 locations in Scandinavian waters were determined. Local variations in concentrations of the two metals found in samples taken close to industrial sources of zinc and cadmium confirmed the ability of the mussel to act as an accurate indicator of pollution by these metals over the entire range of salinities in which this species can exist. In addition, offshore samples remote from industrial discharges revealed higher concentrations of zinc and cadmium in mussels from lowsalinity areas (Gulf of Finland, Southern Bothnian Sea, Baltic proper) than in those from high-salinity areas (Kattegat, Eastern Skagerrak). Major decreases in metal concentrations present in the mussel were apparent in the regions of the Sound and the Great Belt, which are areas of rapid salinity change due to mixing of Baltic water with water from Kattegat. Comparison of these results with those reported for zinc and cadmium in water throughout the study area suggested the existence of a higher biological availability of these metals in regions of low salinity; possible reasons for this are discussed. Data from the present survey are also compared to those reported for mussels taken elsewhere. This comparison reveals the Baltic area to be considerably polluted by trace metals; in contrast, the waters of Kattegat and skagerrak are considered to be relatively unpolluted.     

Distribution of a marginal population of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mytilus edulis</Emphasis>: responses to biotic and abiotic processes at different spatial scales

Physical and biological processes interact to produce pattern in nature. Pattern is scale dependent as processes generating pattern are heterogeneous in time and space. We tested some causes of variation in abundance and distribution of three marginal populations of sublittoral blue mussels, Mytilus edulis, in the non-tidal northeastern Baltic Sea. We studied the role of substrate inclination, perennial algae and siltation along local wave exposure gradients on mussel distribution over a regional salinity gradient. We found marked differences on regional scales (p < 0.001) with lower densities and biomasses of mussels with declining salinity. Along local gradients, mussel densities increased with increasing exposure (p < 0.001) and declining slope and sedimentation (p < 0.01). Site specifically, densities of blue mussels and the perennial red algae, Furcellaria lumbricalis, were positively related, results supported by a colonisation experiment. Also, young post-recruits showed significant relations to adult biomass, wave exposure, algal biomass, bottom slope and sediment cover. Findings showed that the relative importance of the determinants affecting blue mussels at the edge of their range vary with scale and are affected by the density and size structure of mussel populations. The study provides an indication of the types of factors that may be invoked as causes of spatial variation in marginal blue mussel populations and reinforces the need to consider multiple aspects when distributional patterns are assessed.     

Detrimental effects of the isopod, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Edotia doellojuradoi,</Emphasis> on gill morphology and host condition of the mussel, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mytilus edulis platensis</Emphasis>

There are many reported associations between mussels and other invertebrates, such as pea crabs, polychaetes, turbellarians and copepods, which live in their mantle cavities. The boundary between commensalism and parasitism is often indistinguishable because of insufficient knowledge or because the interaction is variable. Preliminary evidence led to a closer examination of the relationship between the mussel, Mytilus edulis platensis, and an isopod, Edotia doellojuradoi, previously described as commensalism. Monthly intertidal samples of mussels were taken from September 2004 to August 2005 at Caleta Cordova Norte (45°43′S, 67°22′W) in southern Argentina and assessed for the prevalence and abundance levels of isopods. Mussels with and without isopods were measured, examined for evidence of gill damage and their condition (soft tissue dry weight) was determined. The overall isopod prevalence in mussels was 57.9% and infestation varied with mussel length, with maximum occurence at 30.2 mm (medium-sized mussels). Experimental evidence indicated that the position of the isopod inside the mussel depended on the feeding activity of the mussel. Female isopods were observed grasping the ventral food groove of the gill demibranchs and feeding on the mucous food strand produced by the mussel. Juveniles and males were observed clustered together on the dorsal side of the single female in each occupied mussel, suggesting extended maternal care. Gill damage was observed in 58.2% of mussels at the Argentine site and was significantly associated with isopod occurrence. Categorical regression analysis showed that the most important factor associated with the degree of gill lesions was the number of male and juvenile isopods per mussel, followed by the length of female isopods and the developmental stage of juveniles. Conversely, the degree of gill damage decreased with increasing mussel length. Overall, E. doellojuradoi had a significant effect on mussel condition throughout the year, with low flesh weight in mussels with isopods, except during the austral summer and early autumn. In contrast to previous studies, which concluded that the isopod was a commensal, the present study clearly demonstrates that E. doellojuradoi is a parasite of M. edulis platensis. Other symbiotic interactions formerly classified as commensal might not be innocuous on further investigation, especially if samples are taken at multiple sites and at different times of the year.     

Contribution to the ecotoxicological study of cadmium,copper and zinc in the mussel Mytilus edulis

A regulation of internal levels of some essential metals has been observed in various animals, whereas the bioaccumulation of several non-essential metals parallels their overloads in water. In the mussel Mytilus edulis L., we have attempted to determine if such a phenomenon exists by comparing the patterns of accumulation of copper and zinc vs cadmium. With this aim, mussels collected in the Bay of Bourgneuf (France) in November 1983 were exposed to these metals for 16 d. At external levels of zinc as high as 100 gl^-1, mussels were able to maintain a normal concentration in all groups of organs for 4 d. The ability of mussels to limit the bioaccumulation of copper and zinc varied from organ to organ, and decreased with higher levels of contamination and longer periods of exposure. In contrast, at the lowest experimental concentration and the lowest period of exposure, a significant increase of cadmium in mussel tissues was generally observed. Even at the highest sub-lethal doses, the levels of copper and zinc in mussel tissues were not much higher than the natural levels (contaminated:background ratios= 2.3 to 6.1), whereas the bioaccumulation of cadmium was less well restricted (contaminated:background ratios=136 to 192). The use of mussels as a bioindicator of pollution seems doubtful for essential metals, particularly as regards short-term pollution, since the levels of these trace elements in the organisms are largely independent of their concentration in the ambient seawater.     

Assessment of the effect of environmental pollution in a marina on caged mussels using chemical and genotoxic analysis

An integrated approach using the contamination levels and DNA damage in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) was applied in order to assess the chemical contamination in a marina (Eastern coastline of Aegean Sea). Mussels, which were harvested from a reference site (Foca), were transplanted into a marina situated along the coast of Izmir Bay. The transplanted mussels were collected at the 14th, 30th and 60th day of the experimental period. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) levels (27–51?ng?g^?1?wet?weight) detected in the mussels were similar to the levels detected in other coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea. The marina’s sediment was found to be contaminated with PAHs (∑PAH?=?25?µg?g^?1) of pyrolytic origin and may become a source of pollution and a threat to the marine environment. In order to assess the DNA damage, the haemolymph and gill cells of the mussels were used for the comet analysis and considered as an indicator of exposure to genotoxic chemicals including 16 PAH compounds and metals. The highest levels of DNA damage expressed as %Tail-DNA (%T-DNA) were observed at the end of the experiment (21.5% T-DNA). The correlation analyses conducted between 2-, 3-, 4-ring PAHs in mussels and %T-DNA in haemolymph and gill cells showed a significant positive correlation. This investigation confirmed that transplanted mussel can be a useful tool to determine PAH contamination in marinas.     

Trace metal ingestion and assimilation by the green mussel <Emphasis Type="Italic">Perna viridis </Emphasis>in a phytoplankton and sediment mixture

We examined trace metal ingestion and assimilation (Cd, Se, Zn) by the green mussel Perna viridis in a mixture of diatoms and sediment at concentrations below and above the pseudofeces production levels. Dual gamma radiotracers (¹⁰⁹Cd, ⁶⁵Zn) were used to investigate particle selection on marine diatoms and sediments. The diatom (Thalassiosira weissflogii) was radiolabeled with ¹⁰⁹Cd, and the natural sediment was radiolabeled with ⁶⁵Zn. By comparing the ratios of ¹⁰⁹Cd:⁶⁵Zn in the particle mixture, mussel tissues and pseudofeces within a short-term exposure period (35 min), the results demonstrated that the green mussels were able to selectively ingest the diatom particles at a high particle load. Efficiency of selection for nutritious particles (e.g. diatoms) increased with increasing ratio of sediments in the particle mixture. Pseudofeces contained a higher ratio of sediments relative to that in the feeding suspension. No major particle selection was observed at concentrations below the level for pseudofeces production. The assimilation of Cd, Se and Zn by the green mussels was quantified using a pulse-chase feeding technique. The assimilation of Se and Zn by the green mussels from ingested diatoms was reduced with the presence of sediment within the mussel gut, presumably due to the resorption of metals onto the sediment, leading to a quicker passage of metals through the digestive tract and a lower proportion of metals subjected to intensive digestion. In contrast, the presence of diatoms did not significantly affect metal assimilation from ingested sediment. A significant correlation between metal assimilation efficiency and metal gut passage time was also observed. Metal assimilation by the green mussels appeared to be little dependent on the particle concentration in seawater. Our study suggests that particle selection may potentially alter metal influx from ingested food sources, particularly at high particle concentrations. Selective feeding of nutritious particles, coupled with a high assimilation efficiency from these ingested particles, may increase metal influx into mussels from the dietary phase.     

Feeding and predator-avoidance by the rose anemone Urticina piscivora

We investigated the influence of feeding rate on the behavior of the rose anemone Urticina piscivora. We predicted that anemones would travel less and be less willing to detach from the substrate in response to contact with a predator (Dermasterias imbricata) as feeding rate was experimentally increased. As predicted, anemones receiving 0 mussels (Mytilustrossulus) daily moved significantly more than those receiving either 1 or 2 mussels daily. Anemones receiving 0 mussels daily also detached significantly quicker in response to predator contact compared to the 1 mussel per day group, which in turn detached significantly quicker than did the 2 mussels per day group. A field test of the same prediction gave mixed results. We also examined whether anemones could detect feeding rates of neighbors. Movement rates of anemones receiving 1 mussel daily when neighbors received 0 mussels daily were compared with those when neighbors received 2 mussels daily. We predicted that if the subjects could detect feeding rates of neighbors, they should move less when neighbors received less food than themselves (since their position is relatively good) than when neighbors received more food. The results support this interpretation. Received: 21 August 1996 / Accepted: 22 October 1996     

Mussels flexing their muscles: a new method for quantifying bivalve behaviour

We employed a novel technique to quantify how blue mussels Mytilus edulis react to predation risk in their environment by quantifying mussel gape using a Hall sensor attached to one shell valve reacting to a magnet attached to the other. Change in gape angle per second (CHIGA) versus gape angle plots resulted in a distribution with a boundary, which defined the maximum CHIGA of a mussel at all gape angles. CHIGA boundary plots for all individual mussels were similar in form. However, the CHIGA boundary increased in extent with mussel length (maximum CHIGA for mussel valve closures for mussels 2.98 and 79.6 mm long were −1.5 and −11°s⁻¹, respectively), showing that larger mussels opened and closed most rapidly. Mussel extract added to the seawater, a factor believed to signal predation, caused mussels to close significantly faster than otherwise (P < 0.001). This approach for assessing how mussels react to their environment indicates that mussel response to predation is graded and complex and may well indicate animal-based assessments of the trade-off between effective feeding and the likelihood of predation.