Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
6316189 | Environmental Pollution | 2015 | 8 Pages |
Abstract
The Clinch and Powell Rivers (Virginia, USA) support diverse mussel assemblages. Extensive coal mining occurs in both watersheds. In large reaches of both rivers, major ion concentrations are elevated and mussels have been extirpated or are declining. We conducted a laboratory study to assess major ion effects on growth and survival of juvenile Villosa iris. Mussels were exposed to pond water and diluted pond water with environmentally relevant major ion mixtures for 55 days. Two treatments were tested to mimic low-flow concentrations of Ca2+, Mg2+, SO42â, HCO3+, K+ and Clâ in the Clinch and Powell Rivers, total ion concentrations of 419Â mg/L and 942Â mg/L, respectively. Mussel survival (>90%) and growth in the two treatments showed little variation, and were not significantly different than in diluted pond water (control). Results suggest that major ion chronic toxicity is not the primary cause for mussel declines in the Clinch and Powell Rivers.
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Authors
Serena Ciparis, Andrew Phipps, David J. Soucek, Carl E. Zipper, Jess W. Jones,