Deep-sea caging of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis: Potential application in ecotoxicological studies |
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Authors: | F Galgani J F Chiffoleau P LE Gall Y Pichot B Andral C Martin |
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Institution: | 1. IFREMER, BP171 , Ave. J Monnet, 34203, Sète cedex, France francois.galgani@ifremer.fr;3. IFREMER , rue de l'?le d’Yeu, 44311, Nantes, France;4. IFREMER, BP171 , Ave. J Monnet, 34203, Sète cedex, France;5. IFREMER , zone de Bregaillon, 83507, La Seyne/mer, France |
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Abstract: | We experimented with caging the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) at various depths for 69 d to measure basic physiological parameters, histological response and bio-accumulation of contaminants in a deep-sea contaminated area. In preliminary experiments, we demonstrated, under artificial pressure conditions, the ability of mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis to tolerate rapid immersion (at a speed of up to 120 m min?1). In situ experiments were performed using submerged lines enabling mussels to be maintained at depths ranging of 40–1550 m with survival rates ranging from 80 to 38%, respectively. No significant differences in condition indexes were observed between treated and control specimens. However, histological observations demonstrated a clear reduction in thickness of the digestive epithelium with increasing depth exposure. By determining the contaminants in caged mussels, we found the following values for chromium accumulation: 27.4 μg g?1 dry weight at 580 m depth and 9.8 μg g?1 dry weight at 1550 m. Selected stations were located downstream of an industrial effluent at 420 m. The biological and environmental consequences of deep-sea contamination demonstrate the suitability of caged mussels for monitoring contaminant accumulation. |
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Keywords: | Mussel Mytilus Deep sea Caging Canyons Chromium Contamination |
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