Dreissenid veliger dynamics along a nearshore to offshore transect in Lake Michigan

Dreissenid mussel veligers compose a substantial component of pelagic biomass in the Great Lakes, yet their dynamics are poorly understood. To evaluate seasonal, spatial, and inter-annual variation in veliger density, we used a 64-μm mesh plankton net (2008, 2013–2016) and a 153-μm mesh plankton net (2007–2016) to collect dreissenid veligers at nearshore (15–25?m depth), transitional (45?m) and offshore (93–110?m) sites in southeast Lake Michigan during March–December. We also evaluated trends in density of recently settled mussels relative to veliger abundance and the density of the standing stock of adult mussels. Veliger density peaked during both summer and fall at all sites, but peak densities in summer were generally higher nearshore, whereas peak densities in the fall were generally higher offshore. The density of veligers in the 153-μm net was overall 28% of that in the 64-μm net, but there was high variability in this comparison among months. Smaller veligers were much more abundant in the 64-μm net, but there was little difference in the size distribution and abundance between nets for the 210–300?μm size classes. Thus, the 153-μm net could still be a useful tool for assessing density trends of larger veligers just prior to their settlement. Newly settled mussels (≤2?mm) were most abundant in summer or fall at the nearshore and offshore sites but were nearly absent at the transitional site despite the high density of veligers there. Factors other than veliger density must play an important role in mussel recruitment.     

Limited evidence of zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) consumption by freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) in Lake Winnipeg

Freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) may be a predator of the invasive zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), which established in Lake Winnipeg in 2013. In this study, the diets, trophic position, and growth of 51 freshwater drum collected in 2019 (six years post-zebra mussel invasion) were compared to 64 freshwater drum sampled in 2000. Benthic insect larvae were the dominant food items in both years. Although mollusks occur in high densities in Lake Winnipeg, they were only consumed by a few freshwater drum in either sample year. Zebra mussels were not a frequent prey item in 2019 as they were only consumed by four of the sampled freshwater drum. Stable isotope analysis of white muscle tissue yielded similar δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values in both years and were consistent with a benthic, insectivorous diet. Length-at-age data derived from otoliths revealed that the 2019 population had at least an equal growth rate to the 2000 population. Weight-at-length data suggested that fish condition was greater in 2019 than in 2000, which coincided with increased benthic macroinvertebrate density in Lake Winnipeg. Based on these findings, Lake Winnipeg freshwater drum continue to feed predominantly on insect larvae and not zebra mussels.     

Quagga mussels (Dreissena bugensis) as biomonitors of metal contamination: A case study in the upper St. Lawrence River

In this study, the utility of quagga mussels (Dreissena bugensis) as biomonitors was investigated by measuring total concentrations of three trace metals, cadmium, copper, and zinc, in soft tissues. Quagga mussels were sampled from five sites along the upper St. Lawrence River, including one industrially influenced site, from 1999 through 2007. Mussels were collected from near-shore areas, divided into 5 size classes based on maximum shell length, and tissues were pooled for analysis of each size group. Two-way analysis of variance and a posteriori range tests were used to test for differences among sites along a distance gradient from the outflow of Lake Ontario and to examine inter-annual variability within and among sites. Cadmium concentrations were higher nearer the outflow of the lake. Copper concentrations varied among sites and years, but were generally highest near the industrial site. Zinc concentrations were relatively uniform, possibly reflecting internal regulation. Animal size measured as shell length was not an important factor in this section of the river, but warrants further consideration in a wider range of ecosystems and contaminant exposure levels. In general, concentrations of the three metals were not high compared to reports in the published literature for dreissenid mussels in contaminated environments. However, few studies have utilized quagga mussels rather than zebra mussels. The two species may differ in bioaccumulation patterns and may not be interchangeable as biomonitors. Further studies of bioaccumulation of contaminants by quagga mussels in a wider range of contaminant exposures would be useful particularly as quagga mussels displace zebra mussels in the Laurentian Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River.     

The distribution,density, and biomass of the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) on natural substrates in Lake Winnipeg 2017–2019

The distribution, density, biomass and size-structure of the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) population in Lake Winnipeg were examined between 2017 and 2019. Zebra mussels have colonized most of the available hard substrate in the south basin and Narrows region, but colonization of the north basin remains low at present, even on suitable substrate. Numerical densities and shell free biomass peaked at 5530 ± 953 m^?2 and 64.7 ± 57.9 g shell free dry mass m^?2 respectively. The distribution appeared to be strongly limited by substrate type and availability, with further limitations on the distribution imposed by physical disturbance in shallow waters and unsuitable substrate in deeper areas of the lake. Zebra mussels <1 year old dominated the populations, and individuals >18 mm were exceedingly rare. Poor recruitment was observed at sites along the eastern side of the south basin compared to elsewhere in the lake. The proximate causes of these differences in colonization success and recruitment are not clear, but may be in part due to heterogeneous patterns of key physico-chemical environmental conditions such as calcium concentrations required for successful development of juvenile mussels and colder water temperatures in the north basin. This study provides a baseline of information on which to track further expansion of zebra mussels in Lake Winnipeg and assist efforts to develop an understanding of how zebra mussels may affect the ecology of Lake Winnipeg.     

How effective is intermittent chlorination to control adult mussel fouling in cooling water systems?

Mussel control in cooling water systems is generally achieved by means of chlorination. Chlorine is applied continuously or intermittently, depending on cost and discharge criteria. In this paper, we examined whether mussels will be able to survive intermittent chlorination because of their ability to close their valves during periods of chlorination. Experiments were carried out using three common species of mussels: a freshwater mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, a brackish water mussel, Mytilopsis leucophaeata and a marine mussel, Mytilus edulis. The mussels were subjected to continuous or intermittent (4 h chlorination followed by 4 h no chlorination) chlorination at concentrations varying from 1 to 3 mg l(-1) and their responses (lethal and sublethal) were compared to those of control mussels. In addition, shell valve activity of mussels was monitored using a Mussel-monitor. Data clearly indicate that mussels shut their valves as soon as chlorine is detected in the environment and open only after chlorine dosing is stopped. However, under continuous chlorination mussels are constrained to keep the shell valves shut continuously. The mussels subjected to continuous chlorination at 1 mg l(-1) showed 100% mortality after 588 h (D. polymorpha), 966 h (Mytilus edulis) and 1104 h (Mytilopsis leucophaeata), while those subjected to intermittent chlorination at 1 mg l(-1) showed very little or no mortality during the same periods. Filtration rate, foot activity index and shell valve movement of D. polymorpha, Mytilopsis leucophaeata and Mytilus edulis decreased more than 90% at 1 mg l(-1) chlorine residual when compared to control. However, mussels subjected to intermittent chlorination showed a similar reduction (about 90%) in filtration rate, foot activity index and shell valve movement during chlorination and 3% during breaks in chlorination. The data indicate that intermittent chlorination between 1 and 3 mg l(-1) applied at 4 h on and 4 h off cycle is unlikely to control biofouling if mussels are the dominant fouling organisms.     

Analysis of rDNA Regions of Five Freshwater Unionid Mussel Species in Presque Isle Bay,Southeastern Lake Erie

Population structure and fecundity of freshwater mussels can be difficult to assess due to the benthic habitat and complex life cycles of these organisms. However, rapid and reliable classification of unionids can be accomplished with polymerase chain reaction if species-specific DNA primers are established. In this report we describe the sequence analysis of the ITS1 and ITS2 regions from five mussel species (Amblema plicata, Fusconia flava, Lampsilis siliquoidea, Ligumia nasuta, and Pyganodon grandis) isolated from a refuge in Lake Erie. Sequence comparison revealed strong similarities between A. plicata and F. flava and between L. siliquoidea and L.nasuta. P. grandis contained regions of additional DNA not present within the other species. Our study confirmed the placement of Ligumia nasuta within the Lampsilinae. The analysis also revealed DNA sequences within the ITS1 and ITS2 regions that are species-specific. Thus, the development of species-specific PCR primers can be utilized for analysis of adult populations and for glochidia on host fish.     

Determination of selected dichloroanilines and phthalates in lyophilised mussels samples with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry after QuEChERS clean-up

ABSTRACT

Mussels, a marine filter organism, constitute a food product and an established sentinel organism for marine pollution. An analytical method following a QuEChERS extraction and clean-up protocol has been developed for the determination of phthalic acid esters (PAE), including di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP), di-(2-ethyl hexyl) phthalate (DEHP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), di-methyl phthalate (DMP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), as well as 3,4-dichloroaniline and 3,5-dichloroaniline in lyophilised mussels samples. A gradient elution program starting from 40% A (methanol-0.1% formic acid) – 60% B (H₂O-0.1% formic acid) up to 100% A was applied, with a total duration of 15 min, at a flow rate of 200 μL min^?1 using a 1.8 μm particle size C18 analytical column. All target analytes were detected with a triple quadrupole MS, using electrospray ionisation (ESI) in positive ionisation mode, in SRM mode under optimised conditions. Sample preparation consisted of lyophilisation of the mussels sample and grinding, followed by a QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, Safe) protocol. Among the different dispersants evaluated for sample clean-up effectiveness, primary secondary amine (PSA) was found to be the most efficient. Results indicated good chromatographic separation, fast sample preparation procedure, low LODs and LOQs, good trueness expressed as recovery and good precision as evaluated by RSD. In the mussels samples examined DEHP was the most abundant PAE, reaching a maximal concentration of 280 μg/kg of lyophilised weight whereas the levels of DnBP were at approximately 36% of the legal migration limit in foods determined by the EU.     

Importance of biotic interactions in large rivers: an experiment with planktivorous fish,dreissenid mussels and zooplankton in the St. Lawrence River

Physical conditions are usually considered pre‐eminent in controlling river plankton, but biotic interactions may be important in slackwater areas. To begin testing this general hypothesis, we conducted a 12‐day, predator–prey experiment in 3500 litre mesh enclosures in a slackwater area of the St. Lawrence River using planktivorous, juvenile yellow perch (Perca flavescens) and Dreissena mussels. Results generally supported our hypotheses that: (1) perch would directly suppress large zooplankton via predation but benefit microzooplankton through indirect interactions; and (2) dreissenids would directly depress rotifer densities via predation and have indirect negative effects on macrozooplankton. Based on gut contents of experimental fish, cladocera were the principal prey of smaller yellow perch (c. 46–50 mm), followed by copepods, ostracods, and rotifers. Larger juvenile perch (c. 67–73 mm) fed almost exclusively on copepods and ostracods. Densities of calanoid copepodids, nauplii, and some cyclopoid copepods (Diacyclops thomasi) were significantly depressed by perch, and adult Eurytemora affinis (99% of adult calanoids) essentially disappeared from fish enclosures. Despite being a favourite prey item of small perch, densities of the small cladoceran Bosmina (Sinobosmina) spp. were significantly higher when fish were present (150% greater than control densities on Day 12). Densities of the very abundant rotifer Polyarthra were >300% greater in fish enclosures than controls by Day 12, and the rotifers Synchaeta and predaceous Ploesoma were significantly more abundant in the presence of perch. Increases in rotifers and cladocera suggest indirect, positive effects of fish related to significantly higher phytoplankton biomass or decreased densities of predaceous copepods. Densities of eight of ten zooplankton groups examined declined significantly when mussels were present, and calanoid copepodids also declined but not significantly. Chlorophyll‐a concentrations were slightly lower in mussel enclosures. This evidence suggests biotic interactions play important roles among potamoplankton in slackwater habitats, but river‐wide implications of these findings require further study. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The staying power of adhesion-associated antioxidant activity in Mytilus californianus

The California mussel, Mytilus californianus, adheres in the highly oxidizing intertidal zone with a fibrous holdfast called the byssus using 3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl-l-alanine (DOPA)-containing adhesive proteins. DOPA is susceptible to oxidation in seawater and, upon oxidation, loses adhesion. Successful mussel adhesion thus depends critically on controlling oxidation and reduction. To explore how mussels regulate redox during their functional adhesive lifetime, we tracked extractable protein concentration, DOPA content and antioxidant activity in byssal plaques over time. In seawater, DOPA content and antioxidant activity in the byssus persisted much longer than expected—50% of extractable DOPA and 30% of extractable antioxidant activity remained after 20 days. Antioxidant activity was located at the plaque–substrate interface, demonstrating that antioxidant activity keeps DOPA reduced for durable and dynamic adhesion. We also correlated antioxidant activity to cysteine and DOPA side chains of mussel foot proteins (mfps), suggesting that mussels use both cysteine and DOPA redox reservoirs for controlling interfacial chemistry. These data are discussed in the context of the biomaterial structure and properties of the marine mussel byssus.     

Analysis of the Impacts of the Zebra Mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, on Nutrients,Water Clarity,and the Chlorophyll-Phosphorus Relationship in Lower Green Bay

Zebra mussels, Dreissena polymorpha, invaded Green Bay, Lake Michigan in the early 1990s. In 1986, prior to zebra mussel invasion, the Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage District initiated a long-term water quality monitoring program involving 12 stations in three distinct zones along a trophic gradient in lower Green Bay. We analyzed this data set pre and post invasion using various regression models to determine the impacts of the zebra mussel on water clarity, nutrient concentrations, and the relationship between chlorophyll and phosphorus in this system. Following zebra mussel invasion, Secchi depths did not change in all three zones. Chlorophyll a concentrations decreased post zebra mussels in all zones. These differences were attributed to the filter feeding abilities of zebra mussels. Lower Green Bay exhibits a strong trophic gradient and zebra mussel impacts on the chlorophyll-phosphorus relationship differed between the three zones. We saw no changes in the chlorophyll-phosphorus relationship in zone 1, zone 2 appeared to be a transition zone with slight changes in the chlorophyll-phosphorus relationship, and in zone 3 there was evidence of an altered chlorophyll-phosphorus relationship post zebra mussels. These results indicate that the impact of zebra mussels on water quality parameters and on chlorophyll-phosphorus dynamics may differ depending on initial trophic status and on zebra mussel densities.