In-stream validation of the effects of intermittent sediment toxicity on recruitment of juvenile unionid mussels
- Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ., Blacksburg, VA (United States). Biology Dept.
- American Electric Power Service Corp., Columbus, OH (United States)
A triad approach was used to assess sediment toxicity in the Clinch River, Virginia to determine if sediment bound toxicants are contributing to decreased recruitment of unionid mussel populations. Eleven sites in the Clinch River and one site in a tributary, which exhibited suitable mussel habitat, were included in the analysis. Physical characteristics of the sediment revealed similar particle size distribution and percent water content at the twelve sites; however, three of the sites exhibited high volatile organic compounds. Total recoverable metals analysis of lead, zinc and copper in the interstitial water showed fluctuating metal concentrations throughout the river on different sampling dates. Sediment bioassays using C. riparius, D. magna, and H. azteca identified intermittent toxicity which may be related to non-point runoff from rain events. At ten of the twelve sites, mussel density surveys indicated decreased recruitment despite apparent suitable habitat. Invertebrate community structure analysis identified eight of the twelve sites as having significantly lower total abundance than the reference side and six of the twelve sites as s supporting significantly fewer taxa. In-situ juvenile mussel testing was used to determine the degree to which toxicity may impair juvenile recruitment in unionid populations.
- OSTI ID:
- 37492
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9410273--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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