Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.marenvres.2004.03.066
Title (Primary) Sub-lethal effects of metal exposure: physiological and behavioural responses of the estuarine bivalve Macoma balthica
Author Duquesne, S.; Liess, M.; Bird, D.J.
Source Titel Marine Environmental Research
Year 2004
Department OEKOTOX
Volume 58
Issue 2-5
Page From 245
Page To 250
Language englisch
Keywords Bivalve; Stress; Sediment; Contamination; Estuary
Abstract Variation in glycogen concentration, condition index (CI) and filtration activity were measured in the bivalve Macoma balthica buried in sediment and experimentally exposed to cadmium (Cd). The stress due to elevated but sub-lethal concentrations (300 ppb Cd) affected the overall fitness of the organism as all parameters monitored responded significantly. Lower concentrations tested (10, 30 and 100 ppb) only induced a significant decrease in filtration activity, which may play a protective role, enabling the organism to slow down its metabolic activity and preserving the integrity of its reserves (reflected by stable CI and glycogen levels). Hence, the various endpoints selected show different thresholds. Our results also demonstrate that under high exposure, small individuals loose proportionally more glycogen per unit of weight than larger ones, thus confirming the higher sensitivity of small individuals to metal contamination. Furthermore, exposure to intermediate concentration (30 ppb) seems to be beneficial to the small individuals as indicated by their high CI values compared to the control. These results showed thus that non-sigmoidal concentration-response relationship and sizes of individuals should be considered in monitoring programmes and risk assessment.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=4043
Duquesne, S., Liess, M., Bird, D.J. (2004):
Sub-lethal effects of metal exposure: physiological and behavioural responses of the estuarine bivalve Macoma balthica
Mar. Environ. Res. 58 (2-5), 245 - 250 10.1016/j.marenvres.2004.03.066