Sublethal effects of heavy metal contaminated sediments on the bivalve Macoma balthica (L.)

Synoptic measures of sediment contamination, toxicity and infaunal community composition (the Sediment Quality Triad) in San Francisco Bay

“…The percent difference in survivals and in abnormal larvae was calculated relative to a clean seawater control. Behavioral effects were measured by determining the rate of reburial of the clam Macoma balthca over 48 h using techniques developed by McGreer (1979). This test was performed with 5 replicates, 10 clams per replicate.…”

Effects of Sediment Trace Metals and Particle Size on the Community Structure of Epibenthic Seagrass Fauna near a Lead Smelter, South Australia

“…The sediment concentrations of Cd, Pb and Zn at Transect B, about 8 km from the primary source, were lower than those noted to have substantial sublethal effects (burrowing response) on the clam Macoma balthica (McGreer, 1979). The present study shows, however, that even at such levels the community structure responds holistically to the contaminants by a decrease in species richness, and reduced incidences and abundances of frequent species and as such is probably the best indicator of the effects of long term contamination by trace metals.…”

A survey of the trace-metal content of Corbicula fluminea and associated sediments in the tidal Potomac River

“…In these cases, as sediment metals increased in concentration, burrowing activity decreased. The burrowing behavior of larger Macoma was affected more than smaller individuals (McGreer 1979). Avoidance of burrowing into contaminated sediment might cause a predominantly infaunal species, such as Corbicula, to become predominantly epifaunal as an avoidance response.…”

“…Location of an individual clam in this densely packed population could govern its accessibility to nutrients and pollutants. Additionally, the concentrations of trace metals in sediments can affect the burrowing behavior of infaunal organisms (McGreer, 1979;Stirling, 1975;Pesch, 1979;Stephenson and Taylor, 1975;Akberali, 1981). In these cases, as sediment metals increased in concentration, burrowing activity decreased.…”