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Effects of elevated total dissolved solids on bivalves
Citation:
Allen, Joel, C. Nietch, D. Macke, P. Kathy, AND Jim Lazorchak. Effects of elevated total dissolved solids on bivalves. Presented at SETAC North America, Vancouver, CANADA, November 09 - 13, 2014.
Impact/Purpose:
Data collected and presented will contribute to the understanding of the role of total dissolved solids in aquatic ecosystems.
Description:
A series of experiments were performed to assess the toxicity of different dominant salt recipes of excess total dissolved solids (TDS) to organisms in mesocosms. Multiple endpoints were measured across trophic levels. We report here the effects of four different TDS recipes on bivalve growth and behavioral endpoints. The four recipes were dominated by 1) Cl-, 2)SO42- and HCO3-, 3)HCO3-, and 4)NaCl and CaCl2. Exposure TDS concentrations ranged from 75 to 6284mg/L. Survival and growth were measured before and after exposure to an ionic gradient for the species Villosa iris (Rainbow Mussel), Corbicula fluminea (Asiatic Clam), and Lampsilis fasciola (Wavy Mussel). Gape behavior of C. fluminea was monitored using proximity sensors for recipes 1, 2, and 3, and V. iris for recipe 4. The most toxic recipe was number 3, dominated by HCO3-, followed by 2 (SO42-), 4 (NaCl and CaCl2), and 1 (Cl-). Based on data presented here, the type of ions associated with elevated TDS can impact toxicity.
