Influence of species and sex on metal residues in freshwater mussels (F. Unionidae) from the St. Lawrence River, with implications for biomonitoring programs / Janice L. Metcalfe-Smith.: En13-5/93-126E-PDF

"The implementation of freshwater mussel watch programs has been hindered by a lack of information on biological factors affecting the levels of contaminants accumulated by these organisms. This study investigated the influence of species and sex on metal residues in Elliptio complanata and Lampsilis radiata radiata (F. Unionidae) from the St. Lawrence River. Mussels were collected from sites representing a wide range of types and degrees of metal pollution. Composite samples of five specimens (males, and females combined)/species/site and five specimens/sex/species/site were analyzed for residues of 12 metals in the soft tissues to determine the effects of species and sex, respectively, on variability in the data. Interspecific differences in bioaccumulation were observed for most metals, however, concentrations were frequently correlated between species and the differences could therefore be quantified. E. complanata demonstrated a broader response range to the same exposures than L. r. radiata for most metals, suggesting that it may be more sensitive to changes in pollution status. Differences in metal uptake between the sexes were less pronounced than differences between species, and male specimens displayed less variability than females. Consideration of these factors in mussel biomonitoring programs should greatly improve sensitivity and precision"--Abstract.

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Publication information
Department/Agency Canada. Environment Canada.
National Water Research Institute (Canada)
National Water Research Institute (Canada). Rivers Research Branch.
Title Influence of species and sex on metal residues in freshwater mussels (F. Unionidae) from the St. Lawrence River, with implications for biomonitoring programs / Janice L. Metcalfe-Smith.
Series title NWRI contribution ; no. 93-126
Publication type Series - View Master Record
Language [English]
Format Electronic
Electronic document
Note(s) Cover title.
"Environ. Toxicol. & Chem. 1994 (In press)."
Digitized edition from print [produced by Environment and Climate Change Canada].
Includes bibliographical references (pages 12-14).
Publishing information Burlington, Ontario, Canada : Rivers Research Branch, National Water Research Institute, Environment Canada, [1993]
Author / Contributor Metcalfe-Smith, J. L. (Janice L.)author.
Description 1 online resource (2 unnumbered pages, 21 pages, 6 unnumbered pages) : illustrations, maps.
Catalogue number
  • En13-5/93-126E-PDF
Subject terms Pollutants
Molluscs
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