Multi‐stage disruption of freshwater mussel reproduction by high suspended solids in short‐ and long‐term brooders
2015; Wiley; Volume: 61; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1111/fwb.12696
ISSN1365-2427
AutoresAndrew M. Gascho Landis, James A. Stoeckel,
Tópico(s)Fish Ecology and Management Studies
ResumoSummary Suspended solids are one of the most widespread pollutants in streams, but little is known about their effects on freshwater mussels. In a previous study, we showed that increasing concentrations of total suspended solids ( TSS ) resulted in a decreased proportion of gravid female mussels; however, the generality of this effect and the specific stage at which reproduction was inhibited remain unknown. In this study, we examined stage‐specific disruption of reproduction in a short‐term brooding mussel species ( Reginaia ebenus ) and a long‐term brooding species ( Ligumia subrostrata ). High TSS concentrations disrupted reproduction in both the short‐ and long‐term brooding species, but the mechanism appeared to differ between species. A high proportion of female Reginaia ebenus (range = 0.33–0.93) were fertilised across the entire TSS gradient (11–92 mg L −1 ), but few glochidia developed at TSS >20 mg L −1 . In contrast, only a low proportion (0–0.28) of female Ligumia subrostrata were fertilised at high TSS concentrations, but all gravid females eventually produced fully developed glochidia. Excessive inputs of sediments and/or nutrients probably disrupt early reproductive stages of freshwater mussels via elevation of inorganic or organic TSS concentrations and may be important drivers of freshwater mussel declines.
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