Noise pollution limits metal bioaccumulation and growth rate in a filter feeder, the Pacific oyster Magallana gigas

Abstract

Shipping has increased dramatically in recent decades and oysters can hear them. We studied the interaction between noise pollution and trace metal contamination in the oyster Magallana gigas. Four oyster-groups were studied during a 14-day exposure period. Two were exposed to cadmium in the presence of cargo ship-noise ([Cd++]w ≈ 0.5 μg∙L-1; maximum sound pressure level 150 dBrms re 1 μPa), and 2 were exposed only to cadmium. The Cd concentration in the gills ([Cd]g) and the digestive gland ([Cd]dg), the valve closure duration, number of valve closures and circadian distribution of opening and closure, the daily shell growth-rate and the expression of 19 genes in the gills were studied. Oysters exposed to Cd in the presence of cargo ship-noise accumulated 2.5 times less Cd in their gills than did the controls without ship noise and their growth rate was 2.6 times slower. In the presence of ship noise, oysters were closed more during the daytime, and their daily valve activity was reduced. Changes in gene activity in the gills were observed in 7 genes when the Cd was associated with the ship noise. In the absence of ship noise, a change in expression was measured in 4 genes. We conclude that chronic exposure to cargo ship noise has a depressant effect on the activity in oysters, including on the volume of the water flowing over their gills (Vw). In turn, a decrease in the Vw and valve-opening duration limited metal exposure and uptake by the gills but also limited food uptake. This latter conclusion would explain the slowing observed in the fat metabolism and growth rate. Thus, we propose that cargo ship noise exposure could protect against metal bioaccumulation and affect the growth rate. This latter conclusion points towards a potential risk in terms of ecosystem productivity.

Peer Review #3 of "Are giant clams (Tridacna maxima) distractible? A multi-modal study (v0.1)"

“…Manuscript to be reviewed (Wright et al 2007). Previous studies have shown the adverse effects of anthropogenic noise on bivalves' physiological processes such as metabolism and growth rate (Roberts et al 2015;Peng et al 2016;Charifi et al 2018;Shi et al 2019). Thus, our results add to previous studies in assessing whether the affected physiological processes in bivalves are the result of anthropogenic noise-based distraction.…”

“…Manuscript to be reviewed 2016). Their palps also allow them to sense pressure changes from underwater sound waves and bivalves have been documented to significantly react to changes in underwater acoustic stimuli (e.g., Mosher 1972;Peng et al 2016;Shi et al 2019;Charifi et al 2018;Roberts et al 2015). Anthropogenic noise is one such external stimulus that could distract bivalves.…”

“…Marine anthropogenic noise has been steadily rising over recent years due to shipping, motorboat activity, and pile-driving (Hildebrand 2009). There remains an overall lack of study regarding the detrimental effects of noise with respect to invertebrates (Morley, Jones, & Radford 2014) and bivalves especially (Peng et al 2016;Shei et al 2019;Charifi et al 2018;Roberts et al 2015, Solan et al 2016). Bivalves exposed to anthropogenic noise increase bioaccumulation of toxic metals (Peng et al 2016), alter their digging, sediment uptake and valve closure patterns (Shei et al 2019;Solan et al 2016;Roberts et al 2015) and experience reduced growth (Charifi et al 2018).…”

Effects of marine noise pollution on Mediterranean fishes and invertebrates: A review

“…Community-and ecosystem-wide effects may occur whenever MNP affects species that have crucial roles, such as habitat-former mollusks (e.g. oysters; Charifi et al, 2018) and high-level fish predators (Guidetti, 2006;Sarà et al, 2007).…”

Quickscan mogelijke effecten gaswinning bij Borkumse Stenen op platteoesterrif

“…Bij langdurige blootstelling van Japanse oesters aan scheepvaartgeluid (14 dagen) was een verminderde activiteit (o.a. filtratie, klepbeweging) en groei waargenomen (Charifi et al, 2018). Er is bij de mantelschelp Pecten fumatus geen directe massale sterfte waargenomen maar wel een verhoogde mortaliteit in de periode na blootstelling aan het geluid.…”