Monitoring bio-available marine contaminants with mussels (Mytilus edulis L) in the Netherlands

Abstract

After discussing the usefulness of mussels (e.g. Mytilus edulis) for investigating contamination in the marine environment, four cases are presented: (1) A survey of Cu bioavailability in and around the Eastern Scheldt during one winter (1974-1975); (2) A surveillance with a six years interval (1974; 1980) of the bioavailability of Zn along the Dutch North Sea coast. (3) A monitoring programme over the period 1972-1980 showing the decrease in bioavailable Hg in the water column of the Ems-Dollard estuary after decreased emissions at Delfzijl. (4) Retrospective monitoring of two PCB's, as a background for the effectiveness of legal restrictions to PCB use. These four cases are considered a first step in understanding the effects of pollutants in marine ecosystems. In depth physiological, histological and biochemical studies could lay the basis for improved routine biological effect monitoring.

Surface Sensing and Settlement Strategies of Marine Biofouling Organisms

“…Other approaches make use of the fact that harmful substances such as certain metals frequently accumulate in biological organisms. Thus, chemical analysis of accumulation levels can drastically increase sensitivity of detection [3]. Besides approaches involving expensive and technically demanding chemical analysis, biological activity provides another natural and sensitive evidence for the presence of harmful substances.…”

“…-and NH 2 -terminated SAMs, as well as Thiosalicyclic acid and Thioglycolic acids. The negatively charged surfaces (COOH, Thiosalicylic acid and Thioglycolic acid) enhance settlement compared to the neutrally and positively charged surfaces (OH, NH 2 , N(CH 3 ) 3 ? ) (Fig.…”

The valve movement response of mussels: a tool in biological monitoring

“…Mussels (e.g. the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis) have been widely adopted in chemical monitoring and surveillance programmes (Goldberg et al, 1978;NAS, 1980;Widdows etal., 1981;de Kock, 1986). Their ability to accumulate toxicants to a level representative for the integrated environmental conditions, makes them suitable for the characterization of specific ecosystems.…”

Methodology of chemical monitoring in the marine environment

“…fish, shellfish, algae and plants. Mussels are frequently being used to monitor marine pollution (Goldberg et al, 1978; National Academy of Sciences, 1980;de Kock, 1986). It may be advantageous to use biota at higher trophic levels, e.g.…”