I denna studie har förekomst av Polycykliska aromatiska kolväten (PAHer) i musslor undersökts. Syftet var att undersöka vilka PAHer som förekom, i vilka halter och ifall dessa nivåer överskred gränsvärdena för humankonsumtion. Vissa PAHer är skadliga för människan då de kan ge upphov till cancer. Vilda och odlade musslor jämfördes för att se om innehållet av PAHer skiljde sig åt. Musslor från sex olika provplatser undersöktes. Två prov handplockades vilda utanför Stenungssund, Sverige. Danska vildfångade musslor undersöktes, likaså vildfångade svenska musslor. Även odlade musslor från Irland och odlade musslor från Sverige undersöktes. Resultaten visar att fluoranten, fenantren, pyren, krysen, benzo(e)pyren och benzo(b)fluoranten var de ämnen som förekom i högst halter. Av de alkylerade PAHerna var 2-metylantracen-9,10-dion, 2-metylfenantren, 2-metylkrysen och 1-metylfluoranten vanligast. Halterna av oxy-PAHer var låga, förutom för antracen-9,10-dion, benzo(h)quinolin samt 2-metylantracen-9,10-dion. Utifrån de riktvärden som finns för humankonsumtion överskred inga musslor gränsvärdena. Inga skillnader kunde ses mellan odlade och vilda musslor. Sammanfattningsvis förekommer PAHer i musslor, men inte i sådan halt att musslorna inte är godkända som livsmedel. / In this study, the presence of PAHs in mussels were investigated. The aim was to examine the occurrence of PAHs, at which levels and if these levels exceeded the limits for human consumption. Some PAHs are toxic to humans as they can give rise to cancer. Wild and cultivated mussels were compared to see if the content of PAHs was different. Mussels from six different test sites were examined. Two wild samples were hand-picked outside Stenungsund, Sweden. Furthermore, wild clams from both Sweden and Denmark were sampled. Also cultured mussels from Ireland and cultured mussels from Sweden were investigated. The results show that fluoranthene, phenanthrene, pyrene, chrysene, benzo(e)pyrene and benzo(b)fluoranthene were the compounds that occurred at the highest levels. The most common alkylated PAHs were 2-methylanthracene-9,10-dione, 2-methylphenanthrene, 2-methylchrysene and 1-methylfluoranthene. The concentrations of oxy-PAHs were low except for anthracene-9,10-dione, benzo(h)quinoline and 2-methylanthracene-9,10-dione. Based on the guideline values available for human consumption, no mussels exceeded the limits. No differences could be seen between wild and cultivated mussels. To sum up, PAHs were found in mussels, but not at such concentration that the mussels would not be approved for human consumption.

Les substances pharmaceutiques et les produits de soin utilisés pour la protection de la santé humaine sont retrouvés dans tous les compartiments du milieu aquatique. Certaines de ces substances présentent des caractéristiques physico-chimiques ou pharmacologiques suggérant une capacité à se bioaccumuler comme les filtres UV EHMC et OC aux log Kow supérieurs à 5 ou les benzodiazépines diazépam et tétrazépam aux log de Kow de 2,82 et 3,20. L'objectif de ce travail de thèse a été d'évaluer la contamination des moules par 3 filtres UV et de 2 benzodiazépines. Pour cela, une méthode analytique a été mise au point et validée pour le dosage de ces substances dans les moules. Le dosage de l'EHMC et de l'OC a montré qu'en milieu côtier la contamination des moules in situ provient majoritairement des activités récréatives en période estivale et que cette contamination est augmentée dans des zones semi-fermées. Des expérimentations de bioaccumulation sur ces deux substances ont montré que les moules ne bioaccumulent pas ces filtres UV ; elles reflètent les niveaux de contamination en temps réel. Les niveaux de benzodiazépines dans les moules ne sont pas détectables en milieu côtier. Des expérimentations en conditions contrôlées ont montré que les moules absorbent les benzodiazépines. Cependant, elles les éliminent et probablement les métabolisent. L'utilisation de moules pour l'étude de la contamination par des substances émergentes permet l'identification de zones ou de périodes à risque élevé. / Pharmaceutical and personal care products used for human health protection are detected in all aquatic ecosystems. Among them, some compounds have physico-chemical or pharmacological properties that suggest a bioaccumulation capability. It’s the case of the UV filters, EHMC and OC, with log Kow higher than 5 or pharmaceuticals like diazepam and tetrazepam, with log Kow higher than 2.82. The aim of these Phd works was to assess marine mussels contamination for UV filters and benzodiazepines. So, a new analytical method was developed and validated for the determination of these compounds in mussels. EHMC and OC analysis realized in mussels sampled in French coastal waters showed that mainly contamination came from recreational activities in summer season, and that semi-closed areas were more contaminated. Moreover, laboratory experiments showed that mussels had clearly not bioaccumulate these 2 UV filters. Contamination levels in mussels are controlled by water concentrations. Conversely, benzodiazepines were not detected in coastal mussels. However, laboratory experiments showed an accumulation of benzodiazepines in mussels, suggesting elimination and metabolization means. Mussels are nevertheless usefull bioindicators of marine contamination by emerging compounds, allowing to characterize higher risk areas or periods.

M.Sc. / Richards Bay Harbour is notably one of the fastest growing, economically important harbours in South Africa. However, this economic growth has lead to increased anthropogenic activities surrounding the harbour, which may result in higher contaminant, including metal, concentrations within the harbour. These contaminants may negatively influence the natural ecosystem functioning within the harbour. Consequently, assessment of the extent and effect of contamination, through continuous biomonitoring of Richards Bay Harbour, is essential. In the present study, the main aim was to assess the marine health in Richards Bay Harbour by studying spatial and temporal variation of bioaccumulation and biological responses within the mussel, Perna perna, using an active biomonitoring (ABM) approach. The ABM approach was preferred over the traditional passive biomonitoring of resident mussels since it eliminates several inherent factors that may mask the mussels’ true responses to the ambient environment. This approach entailed the transplantation of reference mussels from a relatively uncontaminated environment into Richards Bay Harbour, which is known to be contaminated by metals. In order to identify the reference mussel population for transplantation purposes, a study was undertaken to assess metal levels in two other P. perna populations within the same ecoregion as Richards Bay Harbour, namely Dawson’s Rocks and Sheffield Beach. The results showed that most metal concentrations were lower at Sheffield Beach, which consequently lead to the selection of this population as a reference. The effect of size differences on metal bioaccumulation was also assessed using the three latter mentioned mussel populations, which showed that, although local conditions strongly influence the relationship between metal bioaccumulation and size, utilisation of a narrow size range would minimise the size effect on bioaccumulation and should be used for ABM studies. / Prof. V. Wepener

A toxoplasmose é uma zoonose de distribuição mundial. O Toxoplasma gondii infecta o Homem e a maioria dos animais homeotérmicos. A ingestão de oocistos esporulados é uma das formas de transmissão desse protozoário. Oocistos de T. gondii podem esporular na água do mar e manter a infectividade por até seis meses. Moluscos bivalves podem filtrar e reter oocistos de T. gondii da água do mar em condições experimentais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a presença de T. gondii em ostras (Crassostrea rhizophorae) e mariscos (Mytella guayanensis) em condições naturais. Um total de 300 ostras e 300 mariscos foram adquiridos no Mercado de Peixes do município de Santos no estado de São Paulo no período de 05/03/2008 a 29/08/08 e divididos em 60 grupos de cinco ostras e 20 grupos de 15 mariscos. Para o isolamento do parasita, cinco camundongos foram inoculados oralmente com homogenados dos tecidos de cada grupo de ostras ou mariscos. Para a detecção molecular, o DNA dos tecidos dos mariscos foi extraído pelo método de fenol-clorofórmio e o das ostras, pelo método de isotiocianato de guanidina, Em seguida, foi realizada a nested-PCR (Reação em Cadeia pela Polimerase) baseada na amplificação de um fragmento de 155pb do gene B1 de T. gondii. A genotipagem das amostras de T. gondii detectadas foi feita usando a PCR-RFLP (Polimorfismo de Comprimento de Fragmentos de DNA gerados por Enzimas de Restrição) usando os marcadores SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, CS3 e Apico. Não houve isolamento do parasita pelo bioensaio em camundongos. Nos grupos de mariscos, o T. gondii não foi detectado pela n-PCR e, nos grupos de ostras, houve detecção do T. gondii em dois grupos (3,3%). Não foi possível a genotipagem das amostras de T. gondii detectadas. O presente estudo permitiu concluir que ostras da espécie Crassostrea rhizophorae podem filtrar e reter oocistos de T. gondii e que o ambiente marinho do litoral do estado de São Paulo encontra-se contaminado com oocistos desse parasita. Assim, o consumo de ostras cruas pode representar uma potencial via de transmissão de T. gondii para o Homem e para os animais marinhos. / Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonosis. Toxoplasma gondii is widely prevalent in humans and other mammals. This protozoan parasite can be transmitted by ingestion of sporulated oocysts. T. gondiioocysts can sporulate in seawater and retain their infectivity for at least six months. Experimentally, bivalve mollusks can filter and retain T. gondii oocysts from the seawater. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of T. gondii in oysters (Crassostrea rhizophorae) and mussels (Mytella guayanensis) in natural conditions. A total of 300 oysters and 300 mussels were acquired from the Fish Market in Santos city, São Paulo state, from March 2008 to August 2008, and divided in 60 groups of five oysters and 20 groups of 15 mussels. To isolate the parasite, five mice were orally inoculated with tissue homogenates from each group of oysters or mussels. For molecular detection of T. gondii, DNA from mussels was extracted using a standard phenol-chloroform method and DNA from oysters was extracted using the guanidine isothiocianate method. A nested-PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) based on the amplification of a 155bp fragment from B1 gene of T. gondii was then performed. Eleven PCR-RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) markers including SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, CS3 e Apico were used to genotype positive samples. There was no isolation of the parasite by bioassay in mice. T. gondii was not detected in the groups of mussels by n-PCR. There was detection of T. gondii by n-PCR in two groups of oysters (3.3%). Genotyping of these two positive samples was not successful. The results indicate that oysters of the species Crassostrea rhizophorae, the commonest species from the coast of São Paulo, can filter and retain T. gondii oocysts and that the marine environment of the coast of São Paulo state is contaminated with oocysts of this parasite. The ingestion of raw oysters can represent a potential transmission source of T. gondii to humans and marine mammals.

[pt] Neste estudo foram determinadas as concentrações de mercúrio total (Hgtotal) na fauna agregada aos recifes arenosos formados por poliquetas, Phragmatopoma lapidosa, com o intuito de se verificar a transferência trófica deste elemento. Além da biota presente como, mexilhão (Perna perna), alga verde (Ulva spp.), caranguejo-porcelana (Pachycheles sp), molusca gastrópoda (Thais haemastoma) e sua postura, o Hgtotal também foi determinado no material particulado em suspensão e no sedimento superficial da região localizada no Farol de São Tomé (22 04 52 S e 041 06 59 W), no norte do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Esta área oceânica pertence a uma região de transição faunística, que apresenta uma grande biodiversidade. O Hgtotal nas amostras bióticas e abióticas secas foi determinado em um espectrômetro de absorção atômica com vapor frio, acoplado a um sistema de injeção em fluxo Perkin Elmer, modelo FIAS 400. Para se caracterizar a área, os parâmetros físicos e químicos pH, Eh, salinidade e temperatura foram determinados. A concentração de clorofila a também foi determinada (0,004 ug.L menos 1) classificando o ambiente como oligotrófico no momento da coleta. O total de sólidos em suspensão apresentou uma concentração baixa de Hgtotal (156,78 mais ou menos 0,61 ug.kg menos 1). Dentre a biota analisada a molusca gastrópoda apresentou a maior concentração nos seus tecidos moles (82,75 mais ou menos 5,78 ug.kg menos 1). Entretanto a sua principal fonte de alimento, o mexilhão apresentou uma concentração de Hgtotal quatro vezes menor (19,13 mais ou menos 0,58 ug.kg menos1) e a sua postura aproximadamente onze vezes menor (7,36 mais ou menos 0,71 ug.kgmenos1). A partir destes dados conclui-se que houve a transferência trófica do Hgtotal entre os organismos estudados. / [en] In order to verify the trophic transfer of mercury, the concentrations of total mercury (Hgtotal) were determined in the aggregated fauna from a sand reef region formed by polychaetes, Phragmatopoma lapidosa. In addition to the aggregated fauna, mussel (Perna perna), green algae (Ulva spp.), porcelain crab (Pachycheles sp) and gastropod (Thais haemastoma) and its posture, Hgtotal were also determined in the suspended particulate matter and in the superficial sediments from the region of the Lighthouse of St. Tomé Reef, Northern Rio de Janeiro State (22 04 52 S, 041 06 59 W). This oceanic area belongs to a transitional faunistic region, which presents a great biodiversity. Hgtotal in the biotic and abiotic samples were determined by a cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry, coupled to a flow injection system, Perkin Elmer FIAS 400. In order to characterize the superficial water layer of the region, some physical and chemical water parameters (pH, Eh, salinity and temperature) were determined. At the moment of the water sampling, the concentrations of chlorophyll a (0.004 ug.L less 1) in the water column indicated that the trophic state was oligotrophic. The total suspended particulate matter showed a low mean of Hgtotal (156.78 more or less 0.61 ug.kg less 1). The gastropod soft tissues presented the highest Hgtotal (82.75 more or less 5.78 ug.kg less1) and were approximately fourfold higher than those found in its main food items, the mussel (19.13 more or less 0.58 ug.kg less 1). However, mercury concentrations in gastropod posture (7.36 more or less 0.71ug.kg less 1) were eleven times lower than those found in gastropod soft tissues. From these data, it suggests that there is trophic transfer of mercury between organisms studied.

The anthropogenic alteration of riverine ecosystems has led to declines in the abundance and diversity of freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionoida) worldwide. Central Texas is home to a diverse freshwater mussel fauna including three candidates for federal listing under the Endangered Species Act. Surveys conducted over the last few decades suggest many of the endemic freshwater mussel species in Texas exist in small isolated populations that may be vulnerable to the deleterious effects of genetic diversity loss. Microsatellite primers from two closely related species were used to identify a set of genetic markers that functioned in the Golden Orb (Quadrula aurea). Microsatellite markers were then applied to document the population genetic structure of Q. aurea within and among three connected river drainages in southeastern Texas. Gene flow within existing Q. aurea populations appears high indicating little potential for genetic issues stemming from isolation and inbreeding. Two weakly divergent admixed populations were identified occupying the San Antonio and Guadalupe/San Marcos rivers. Population genetic structure was related to river basin affiliation, but results for environmental factors were unresolved. Current effective population size estimates are large for the Guadalupe/San Marcos drainage and moderately large for the San Antonio drainage and there is no clear genetic evidence of contemporary population declines. Transport in the glochidial phase by a highly mobile host fish, the channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), may provide a mechanism for maintaining connectivity among spatially discrete mussel beds and deserves further study. Information on the occurrence and habitat associations of Q. aurea and two other threatened freshwater mussel species was documented. Quantification of the population genetic structure for Q. aurea provides important information needed for the management of this species, a baseline for understanding future changes, and insight into the factors that shape the population genetic structure of other threatened unionids in Texas.

From 2006-2011, four population reintroduction techniques were applied to three sites within a reach of the upper Clinch River in Virginia designated suitable for population restoration of the federally endangered oyster mussel (Epioblasma capsaeformis). These techniques were: 1) translocation of adults (Site 1), 2) release of laboratory-propagated sub-adults (Site 1), 3) release of 8-week old laboratory-propagated juveniles (Site 2), and 4) release of stream-side infested host fishes (Site 3). Demographic data were collected in 2011 and 2012 by systematic quadrat and capture-mark-recapture sampling to assess reintroduction success, evaluate reintroduction techniques, and compare survey approaches for monitoring freshwater mussels. Estimates of abundance and density of translocated adults ranged from 450-577 individuals and 0.09-0.11/m2 in 2011, and 371-645 individuals and 0.07-0.13/m2 in 2012. Estimates of abundance and density of laboratory-propagated sub-adults ranged from 1,678-1,943 individuals and 0.33-0.38/m2 in 2011, and 1,389-1,700 individuals and 0.27-0.33/m2 in 2012. Additionally, three recruits were collected at Site 1. No E. capsaeformis were collected at Sites 2 and 3. Capture-mark-recapture sampling produced similar mean point estimates as systematic quadrat sampling, but with typically more precision. My results indicated that the release of larger individuals (>10 mm) is the most effective technique for restoring populations of E. capsaeformis, and that systematic quadrat and capture-mark-recapture sampling have useful applications in population monitoring that are dependent on project objectives. Systematic quadrat sampling is recommended when the objective is to simply estimate and detect trends in population size for species of moderate to larger densities (>0.2/m2). Capture-mark-recapture sampling should be used when objectives include assessing a reintroduced population of endangered species or at low density, obtaining precise estimates of population demographic parameters, or estimating population size for established species of low to moderate density (0.1-0.2/m2). The ability to grow endangered juveniles to larger sizes in captivity requires improving grow-out culture methods of laboratory-propagated individuals. A laboratory experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of temperature (20-28 C) on growth and survival of laboratory-propagated juveniles of the Cumberlandian combshell (Epioblasma brevidens), E. capsaeformis, and the wavyrayed lampmussel (Lampsilis fasciola) in captivity. Results indicated that 26 C is the optimum temperature to maximize growth of laboratory-propagated juveniles in small water-recirculating aquaculture systems. Growing endangered juveniles to larger sizes will improve survival in captivity and after release into the wild. As a result, hatcheries can reduce the time that juveniles spend in captivity and thus increase their overall production and enhance the likelihood of success of mussel population recovery efforts by federal and state agencies, and other partners. / Master of Science

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Boston University, 1991. / Interest in deep sea microbiota was stimulated by recent discoveries of productive redox communities associated with hydrothermal vents and brine seeps, and based on bacterial chemolithotrophy. This study investigates microbial destruction of mussel shells from a redox community at the base of the Florida Escarpment (3360 m), in comparison with microbial boring in shells of typical, low productivity areas of the ocean floor. An assemblage of eukaryotic and prokaryotic periostracum borers and their boring traces were discovered in shells of Bathymodiolus mussels from the base of the Florida Escarpment, and characterized. Microbial destruction of this protective layer results in colonization of secondary microbial inhabitants inside boreholes, and exposes the underlying mineralized shell to colonization and destruction by microbial endoliths. Microbial consumption of periostracum often proceeds in successive waves. These organisms show different "foraging" behaviors and leave accordingly varied boring patterns. These activities create a labyrinth of pits, holes and tunnels which, in tum, provide sheltered microenvironments for secondary microbial settlers, including primary producers, which all constitute an abundant food source for numerous ciliates and gastropods observed on the shells. This concerted attack on the periostracum eventually leads to the exposure of the mineralized shell. Such exposed areas are characterized by [TRUNCATED]

Färdiglagade måltider för specifika målgrupper ställer höga krav på både utseende av maten och förpackningsalternativ så råvaror tillagas så bästa och mest näringsrika vis.  Detta arbete studerar skillnaden i smak och textur mellan två olika konserveringsmetoder av en färdiglagad musselsoppa genom att förpacka i en mikrovågsförpackning och en ångförpackning.  Enkäter för att undersöka skillnad i utseende på soppan gällande musslor med och utan skal genomförs även och där också en jämförelse av kulturell påverkan i våra matval, hur noga man är med hygien när det kommer till mat och deltagarnas generella matintresse för att göra en jämförelse av svenska och franska deltagare.  Syftet är att genomföra en sensorisk optimering av en musselsoppa som utvecklats för äldre konsumenter. / There are high demands on readymade meals when it comes to both the look of the food and the way the meal is packaged to ensure the produce is cooked in the best and most nutritious way. This rapport is about seeing if there is a difference in taste and texture between two different conservation methods for a premade mussel soup. A survey to see if the soup is more appealing if served with the mussels in their shell or deshelled was made and also an comparison of a cultural input on the food choices, how important the hygiene is when it comes to food and the participants overall food interest to get an overall comparison of Swedish and French participants the aim is to complete a sensory optimization of a mussel soup which was developed for old aldults.

The habitat requirements of western freshwater mussels, Anodonta, Gonidea, and Margaritifera, remain unclear despite their imperiled status. Freshwater mussels provide a series of ecosystem services including habitat enhancement, substratum stabilization, nutrient cycling, and water clarification, which makes their loss from aquatic ecosystems particularly detrimental. To improve the efficacy of restoration actions targeting these organisms, I used random forest modeling to investigate the biotic and abiotic factors influencing mussel density and distribution throughout a 55-kilometer (km) segment of the Middle Fork John Day River (MFJDR), in northeastern Oregon. Data was collected to characterize the occurrence of mussels with respect to the hierarchical, hydrogeomorphic structure of habitat within reaches of varying valley confinement and channel units nested within these reaches. Data regarding functional habitat features were also included to ensure that models included the wide range of characteristics that mussels need from their environment. By collecting data at both the reach and channel unit scale, I was able to investigate how mussel densities and distributions vary with spatial scale and other biophysical parameters. Throughout the study area, Margaritifera density exhibited a unimodal distribution with respect to river km, while Anodonta and Gonidea density showed a negative relationship with river km and exhibited higher densities downstream. The large scale, longitudinal trends of Margaritifera were related to hydrogeomorphic characteristics at the reach scale, while less than half of the longitudinal variation in Anodonta and Gonidea were explained by hydrogeomorphic and water quality parameters. At the channel unit scale, all mussel genera responded to the patchy variation in physical habitat characteristics, particularly habitat factors that indicated more stable parts of the channel. Overall, physical habitat characteristics such as woody debris, emergent aquatic vegetation, coarse substratum, and channel morphology were more important than hydraulic, biotic, and chemical variables. These results suggest that at both the reach and channel unit scales, mussel density and distribution are influenced by high flow refugia and the hierarchical structuring of hydrogeomorphic habitat characteristics. These results will assist mussel restoration efforts by providing specific guidance about the types of physical habitat conditions that are suitable for mussels.