The uptake of zinc from artificial sediments by Mytilus edulis

Abstract

The mussel Mytilus edulis (Mollusca: Bivalvia) feeds on suspended matter filtered from the sea-water by cilia on the gill surfaces. The bivalve will clear the inhalant water of all particles >2–3 (xm including both sediment and organic matter. Marine sediments act as sinks for a variety of pollutants which may be concentrated up to 1000 fold above water levels. In a series of experiments, the uptake of zinc by M. edulis from filtered sea-water was compared with that from sea-water containing particulate matter acting as model sediments. The materials were two different ion-exchange resins, inorganic granules and hydroxyapatite particles. The accumulation of zinc from the particles was related to the amount of zinc adsorbed by the particles and to their surface properties.