Filtration Dynamics of the Zebra Mussel, Dreissena polymorpha
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-1996
Department
Biological Sciences
School
Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences
Abstract
We quantified the effects of particle type, size, and concentration, mussel size, and temperature on filter-feeding rates of Dreissena polymorpha (Bivalvia). Experiments using plastic microspheres yielded reliable filtration estimates when measurements were made prior to the onset of feces production. Once filtered material passed through the gut, filtration of microspheres was much slower than filtration of natural seston. Particles equal to or greater than 1.5 μm in diameter were retained with nearly total efficiency. Clearance rates (mL·h-1) were maintained at a maximum level at particle concentrations less than 27 mg·L-1. Filtration rates (mg·h-1) stabilized at a maximum level about 27 mg·L-1. The onset of pseudofeces production, indicating overload of the filtration apparatus, also occurred in the majority of mussels at approximately 27 mg·L-1. Filtration per unit gill area was constant regardless of mussel size. Optimal filtration occurred between 14 and 26°C. The filtration Q10(8-20°C) equaled 2.4 and 1.7 for cold- and warm-acclimated mussels, respectively. Similarly, the Q10(8-22°C) of the beat rates of lateral cilia and laterofrontal cirri equaled 2.0. At a common temperature and adjusted for body size, clearance rates of D. polymorpha were equal to rates reported for other freshwater bivalves, indicating functional similarity between them.
Publication Title
Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
Volume
53
Issue
1
First Page
29
Last Page
37
Recommended Citation
Lei, J.,
Payne, B. S.,
Wang, S. Y.
(1996). Filtration Dynamics of the Zebra Mussel, Dreissena polymorpha. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 53(1), 29-37.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/8721