Effects of environmentally relevant mixtures of major ions on a freshwater mussel. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ciparis, Serena; Phipps, Andrew; Soucek, David J.; Zipper, Carl E.; Jones, Jess W.
• Is Part Of: Environmental pollution. Volume 207(2015)
• Page Start: 280
• Page End: 287
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Conductivity -- Mining -- Appalachian -- Bivalve -- Unionidae; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Effets physiologiques -- Périodiques; Pollution; Pollution -- Environmental aspects; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.73
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2015.09.023
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-7491

Abstract

Abstract: The Clinch and Powell Rivers (Virginia, USA) support diverse mussel assemblages. Extensive coal mining occurs in both watersheds. In large reaches of both rivers, major ion concentrations are elevated and mussels have been extirpated or are declining. We conducted a laboratory study to assess major ion effects on growth and survival of juvenile Villosa iris. Mussels were exposed to pond water and diluted pond water with environmentally relevant major ion mixtures for 55 days. Two treatments were tested to mimic low-flow concentrations of Ca 2+, Mg 2+, SO 4 2 −, HCO 3 +, K + and Cl − in the Clinch and Powell Rivers, total ion concentrations of 419 mg/L and 942 mg/L, respectively. Mussel survival (>90%) and growth in the two treatments showed little variation, and were not significantly different than in diluted pond water (control). Results suggest that major ion chronic toxicity is not the primary cause for mussel declines in the Clinch and Powell Rivers. Highlights: Mine water discharges have increased major ion concentrations in Appalachian streams and rivers. Freshwater mussel populations have declined in rivers with intensively mined watersheds. One mussel species ( Villosa iris ) was exposed to environmentally relevant major ion mixtures. There was no effect of elevated concentrations of major ions on survival or growth of V. iris . Specific test conditions may be critical for predicting effects of major ions on freshwater mussels. Abstract : Mixtures of major ions mimicking mining-affected Appalachian rivers had no effect on survival or growth of a native species of freshwater mussel.