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Spatial variation of trace metals within intertidal beds of native mussels (Mytilus edulis) and non-native Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas): implications for the food web?

Bray, D.J., Green, I. D., Golicher, D. and Herbert, R. J.H., 2015. Spatial variation of trace metals within intertidal beds of native mussels (Mytilus edulis) and non-native Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas): implications for the food web? Hydrobiologia: the international journal on limnology and marine sciences, 757, 235 - 249.

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DOI: 10.1007/s10750-015-2255-8

Abstract

Abstract Pollution is of increasing concern within coastal regions and the prevalence of invasive species is also rising. Yet the impact of invasive species on the distribution and potential trophic transfer of metals has rarely been examined. Within European intertidal areas, the non-native Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) is becoming established, forming reefs and displacing beds of the native blue mussel (Mytilus edulis). The main hypothesis tested is that the spatial pattern of metal accumulation within intertidal habitats will change should the abundance and distribution of C. gigas continue to increase. A comparative analysis of trace metal content (cadmium, lead, copper and zinc) in both species was carried out at four shores in south-east England. Metal concentrations in bivalve and sediment samples were determined after acid digestion by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. Although results showed variation in the quantities of zinc, copper and lead (mg m-2) in the two bivalve species, differences in shell thickness are also likely to influence the feeding behaviour of predators and intake of metals. The availability and potential for trophic transfer of metals within the coastal food web, should Pacific oysters transform intertidal habitats, is discussed.

Item Type:Article
ISSN:0018-8158
Uncontrolled Keywords:Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) ; Mussel (Mytilus edulis) ; Non-native species ; Invasive Species ; Metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn) ; North Sea ; Trophic Transfer ; Multiple Stressors
Group:Faculty of Science & Technology
ID Code:22818
Deposited By: Symplectic RT2
Deposited On:03 Nov 2015 15:09
Last Modified:14 Mar 2022 13:53

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