Electromyogram as a measure of heavy metal toxicity in fresh water and salt water mussels

Journal Article · Thu Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 1996 · Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology

OSTI ID:223893

Kidder, III, G W ^[1]; McCoy, A A ^[2]

---

1. Illinois State Univ., Normal, IL (United States)
2. Mt. Desert Island Biological Lab., Salsbury Cove, ME (United States)

The response of bivalves to heavy metals and other toxins has usually been determined by observing valve position. Since mussels close their valves to avoid noxious stimuli, experimental delivery of chemicals ins uncertain. To obtain constant results plastic spacers can be employed to hold the valves apart. This obviates valve position as an index of response and some other method is required. Electromyography of intact mussels is one such index, giving a simple, effective, and quantitative measurement of activity. Experiments are reported in this article on the effects of added mercury on salt water and fresh water species.

• OSTI ID: 223893
• Journal Information: Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, Vol. 56, Issue 2; Other Information: PBD: Feb 1996
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

56 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
APPLIED STUDIES
MERCURY
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
MUSSELS
ACTIVITY LEVELS
FRESH WATER
SEAWATER