Title |
The effects of salinity exposure on multiple life stages of a common freshwater mussel, Elliptio complanata
|
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Published in |
Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry, October 2013
|
DOI | 10.1002/etc.2381 |
Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
Carrie J. Blakeslee, Heather S. Galbraith, Laura S. Robertson, Barbara St. John White |
Abstract |
There is growing concern over the effects of increased salinization on freshwater organisms, which are largely unknown for unionid mussels. Adult and larval Elliptio complanata were exposed to low-level salt concentrations to determine the effects on mussel survival, physiology, and reproduction. Adults were exposed to salt concentrations of 0 parts per thousand (ppt), 2 ppt, 4 ppt, and 6 ppt NaCl and monitored over 7 d for mortality. Treatment groups exposed to 6 ppt and 4 ppt experienced 50% mortality at day 3 and day 4, respectively, with complete mortality by day 7. No mortality was observed in the other treatments. Adults were also exposed to sublethal salinity levels of 1 ppt and 2 ppt NaCl for 4 wk to determine physiological consequences of prolonged salinity exposure. Mussels exposed to 1 ppt and 2 ppt experienced reduced metabolic rates within the first 24 h of exposure that recovered to control levels in the 1-ppt treatment within 7 d. Metabolic recovery did not occur in the 2-ppt treatment by the end of 28 d. Glochidia exposed to 3-ppt NaCl during attachment to their host fish suffered a reduction in attachment success and metamorphosis, resulting in a 10-fold reduction in the number of juveniles produced per host fish. The present study demonstrates that low levels of salt can have a dramatic effect on the reproduction, physiology, and survival of freshwater mussels. |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
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Unknown | 49 | 100% |
Demographic breakdown
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Researcher | 11 | 22% |
Student > Ph. D. Student | 8 | 16% |
Student > Bachelor | 7 | 14% |
Other | 3 | 6% |
Student > Master | 3 | 6% |
Other | 7 | 14% |
Unknown | 10 | 20% |
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Veterinary Science and Veterinary Medicine | 1 | 2% |
Other | 3 | 6% |
Unknown | 14 | 29% |