Stable isotopes and heavy metal distribution in Dreissena polymorpha (Zebra Mussels) from western basin of Lake Erie, Canada

Dreissena polymorpha is an exotic freshwater bivalve species which was introduced into the Great Lakes system in the fall of 1985 through the release of ballast water from European freighters. Utilizing individual growth rings of the shells, the stable isotope distribution ( delta super(18)O and del...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental geology (Berlin) 1998-02, Vol.33 (2-3), p.122-129
Main Authors: Al-Aasm, I. S., Clarke, J. D., Fryer, B. J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Dreissena polymorpha
Freshwater
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Summary:Dreissena polymorpha is an exotic freshwater bivalve species which was introduced into the Great Lakes system in the fall of 1985 through the release of ballast water from European freighters. Utilizing individual growth rings of the shells, the stable isotope distribution ( delta super(18)O and delta super(13)C) was determined for the life history of selected samples which were collected from the western basin of Lake Erie. These bivalves deposit their shell in near equilibrium with the ambient water and thus reflect any annual variation of the system in the isotopic records held within their shells. Observed values for delta super(18)O range from -6.64 to -9.46ppt with an average value of -7.69ppt PDB, while carbon values ranged from -0.80 to -4.67ppt with an average value of -1.76ppt PDB. Dreissena polymorpha shells incorporate metals into their shells during growth. Individual shell growth increments were analyzed for Pb, Fe, Mg, Mn, Cd, Cu, and V concentrations. The shells show increased uptake of certain metals during periods of isotopic enrichment which correspond with warmer water temperatures. Since metals are incorporated into the shells, the organism may be useful as a biomonitor of metal pollution within aquatic environments.
ISSN:0943-0105
1432-0495
DOI:10.1007/s002540050232