Uptake of sodium and chloride by freshwater mussels

Abstract

Ion transport rates were measured in six species representing the four families of freshwater bivalves in North America. Sodium and chloride transport systems function independently in all of the species. The unionid steady-state influx of Na and Cl was about 1 μ equiv/g dry tissue per hour. Margaritifera hembeli Na influx was about 5 μ equiv/g dry tissue per hour and they were in a positive Na balance. Chloride influx by M. hembeli was similar to the unionids. The Sphaeriacea transport Na and Cl at significantly higher rates than Unionacea. Corbicula manilensis Na and Cl influx was about 9 μ equiv/g dry tissue per hour. Sphaerium transversum Cl influx was similar to C. manilensis; however, Na influx was twice as high. The higher transport rates of the Sphaeriacea are similar to brackish-water animals. Sodium, Ca, and Cl are major ions in the blood of all species. Bicarbonate is a major anion (19–12 mM/L) in all species except C. manilensis (4 mM/L).