Influence of body size on Cu bioaccumulation in zebra mussels Dreissena polymorpha exposed to different sources of particle-associated Cu

- Mussels exposed to algal/sediment-Cu have different size-related Cu accumulation.
- Size-related Cu accumulation in mussels could be more dependant on algal-Cu uptake.
- Importance of algal/sediment-Cu to Cu bioaccumulation varies with mussel body size.
- Cu sources (algae and sediments) should be considered in “mussel watch” programs.
- Cu stable isotope offers many advantages in Cu bioaccumulation studies.