Uptake, release, and absorption of nutrients into the marine environment by the green mussel (Perna viridis)

- Faeces production is based on food consumption through mussel filtration.
- Nitrogen and phosphorus are released as mussels excretion unlike silicon.
- Nutrients release from mussels can be estimated using model.
- Adsorption efficiency of carbon is higher than nitrogen and phosphorus.
- Nutrients uptake, release and absorption by green mussel can be calculated.

The nutrient uptake and release by the mussels in relation with amount of food consumption are emphasised in this research. Results of the study demonstrate that about 16% of the total mass dry weight food consumed by the mussels was released as faeces. The depositions of particulate carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in mussel faeces were found to be 26.3, 5.7, and 0.6 mg/day/indv respectively. Soluble inorganic nutrients such as NH4+-N (2.5 mg/day/indv), and PO43−-P (0.6 mg/day/indv) were also released as mussel excretion. The nutrient absorption efficiency for the green mussel body was found to be 65.1% for carbon, 62.1% for nitrogen, and 79.2% for phosphorus. Subsequently, green mussels can remove particulate carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus at 108.1, 13.5, and 4.6 mg/day/indv from aquatic systems. Finally, the results can help in estimating the carrying capacity of mussel cultivation without deteriorating the water quality in marine ecosystems.