Determination of diet in Manila clams by spatial analysis of stable isotopes

Spatial changes in the dietary regime of Ruditapes philippinarum from intertidal sediments of Arcachon Bay were depicted by analyzing stable isotope ratios in both its adductor muscles and potential trophic sources. Manila clams were collected from 50 sites in May to June 2006. Dietary reconstruction was based on the IsoSource mixing model, considering trophic enrichments of 3.5%. for carbon and 3.0%. for nitrogen, which were determined experimentally. delta C-13 and delta N-15 values, respectively, averaged -28.2 and 5.2 parts per thousand for riverine particulate organic matter (POM), -20.6 and 4.7 parts per thousand for inner bay phytoplankton, -21.0 and 5.6%. for outer bay phytoplankton, -16.8 and 4.8 parts per thousand. for microphytobenthos, -18.4 and 3.9 parts per thousand. for sedimentary organic matter (SOM) and 11.8 and 4.0 parts per thousand. for Zostera noltii. Clam muscle delta C-13 and delta N-15 values ranged from -20.5 to -16.4 parts per thousand., and from 7.6 to 9.3 parts per thousand., respectively. delta N-15 significantly decreased from southern to northern parts of the bay, while delta C-13 values increased with tidal elevation. Outer bay phytoplankton was the major diet component of clams. Clams from the southeast mainly incorporated outer bay phytoplankton despite the proximity of the Leyre River, whereas clams from the northwest incorporated approximately equal parts of inner and outer bay phytoplankton, riverine POM, microphytobenthos and SOM. These patterns were consistent with spatial gradients driven by the dominant role of tidal hydrodynamics within the bay and land-use characteristics of the catchment.