Shell growth response of mussels (Mytilus edulis) exposed to toxic microalgae

Mussels (Mytilus edulis) were exposed to the algaeAlexandrium ostenfeldii, Chrysochromulina polylepis, Gyrodinium aureolum, Gymnodinium galatheanum andHeterosigma akashiwo for 24 h; significant reductions in growth rate, as compared to the control, were observed after exposure toA. ostenfeldii, C. polylepis, G. aureolum andG. galatheanum at initial concentrations of 4.5 × 10⁶, 110 × 10⁶, 9 × 10⁶ and 120 × 10⁶ cells l^–1, respectively. Exposure to high initial concentrations of the non-toxic algaeTetraselmis suecica (174 × 10⁶ cells l^–1) andIsochrysis galbana (610 × 10⁶ cells l^–1) showed no adverse effect on growth rate. When mussels with reduced growth were transferred to clean seawater, they recovered to > 90% of control growth within 2 to 4 d. Exposure to algal filtrates of the toxic algal cultures produced no reduction in growth rate.