Article
Environmental Sciences
Puri Veiga, Leandro Sampaio, Juan Moreira, Marcos Rubal
Summary: Human trampling is a significant anthropogenic pressure in the rocky intertidal, affecting the beds of the mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis, in NW shores of Portugal. The study discovered that the impacts of trampling varied among different taxa, with shell length of M. galloprovincialis increasing under high trampling intensity while abundances of Arthropoda, Mollusca, and Lasaea rubra decreasing. Additionally, total number of taxa and abundances of Nematoda and Annelida showed higher values under low trampling intensity. The findings have implications for managing human use in areas with ecosystem engineers.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Sidali Kourdali, Kamel Boudjema, Abdellah Meknachi, Nabila Bounakous, Bassem Jaouadi, Sondes Mechri, Abdelmalek Badis
Summary: The present research aims to evaluate the variation of several responses in marine mussels exposed to different sub-lethal concentrations of copper and lead. The results showed that temperature and salinity variations were not significant enough to interfere with the effect of the pollutants. Changes in nitrogen and phosphorus mineral matter were found to be a physiological disturbance in both species. During the contamination cycles, catalase induction and protein depletion reflected the oxidative stress caused by the metals. However, the catalase activity returned to normal state during the decontamination cycles.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Ane del Rio Lavin, Natalia Diaz-Arce, Maria Angelica Larrain, Cristian Araneda, Naiara Rodriguez-Ezpeleta, Elisa Jimenez, Miguel Angel Pardo
Summary: Seafood traceability is important for regulators and fishing industries to prevent fraud and ensure consumer safety. This study used genetic markers to trace the genetic structure of Mediterranean mussel and assess the ability of new markers to trace the origin of samples. The results showed clear differentiation between populations from different regions and suggested the potential for developing an accurate and cost-effective traceability tool.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kenan Gedik, Serkan Koral
Summary: This study investigated the spatial distribution of total mercury (HgT) and methylmercury (MeHg) in Mediterranean mussels along the coasts of Turkiye's Black Sea, the Marmara, and Aegean Sea. The results showed a significant positive correlation between HgT and MeHg. The weekly intake of MeHg was found to be below the limits set by the FAO/WHO Joint Committee of Experts on Food Additives for both pediatric and adult consumers. The excessive consumption of mussels from areas with high MeHg concentrations posed a risk only for pediatric consumers.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Irrintzi Ibarrola, Kristina Arranz, Pablo Markaide, Enrique Navarro
Summary: The study investigates the relationship between growth rate and metabolic rate in individual mussels, with a focus on the impact of growth on size scaling relationships. The results reveal that differential costs of feeding and digestion structures contribute to an increase in standard metabolic rate (SMR) for fast growers. When accounting for the metabolic effects of growth, the scaling exponent indicates surface dependent processes. These findings provide insights into the metabolic variations and size scaling in bivalve molluscs.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nagore Gonzalez-Soto, Nagore Blasco, Mireia Irazola, Eider Bilbao, Lucia Guilhermino, Miren P. Cajaraville
Summary: Graphene oxide (GO) is gaining attention for its unique properties and increasing use in consumer products. There is a concern that GO will end up in oceans and potentially affect marine organisms. This study evaluated the hazards of GO and benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) in marine mussels after exposure, finding that GO acts as a carrier for BaP but may also offer some protection against BaP accumulation.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tatiana Rusconi, Laura Riva, Carlo Punta, Montserrat Sole, Ilaria Corsi
Summary: This study demonstrates that marine mussels uptake cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and their gills and immune cells are disrupted by mechanical interaction even in environmentally realistic exposure scenarios. Therefore, safety aspects of cellulose nanofibers for aquatic species should be considered in future risk assessment.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-NANO
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jamila Patterson, K. Immaculate Jeyasanta, R. L. Laju, J. K. Patterson Edward
Summary: This study found that smaller mussels ingest more microplastics, but the uptake rate decreases as mussels grow larger. The predominant types of MPs in mussels are fiber and blue in color, with PE and PP being the most common polymers. The distribution of MPs in mussels closely resembles that in water, and there is no significant difference in MPs quantities between P. viridis and P. perna.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
P. Rodriguez-Velarte, J. M. F. Babarro, A. Cobelo-Garcia
Summary: There were no significant differences in the bioaccumulation of trace elements between the native Mytilus galloprovincialis and invasive Xenostrobus securis species in Vigo Ria, except for zinc and silver. Mytilus galloprovincialis showed a 4-fold enrichment in zinc compared to Xenostrobus securis, while Xenostrobus securis exhibited approximately 40-fold higher concentrations of silver. This high bioaccumulation of silver by Xenostrobus securis can be utilized for silver biomonitoring in the area.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andra Bucse, Oana Cristina Parvulescu, Dan Vasiliu, Mihaela Muresan
Summary: This study aimed to assess the accumulation of some trace elements in the soft tissue of Mediterranean mussels from the Black Sea. The results showed that smaller mussels had higher concentrations of arsenic and bromine when collected in lower temperature and higher salinity and pH conditions, while larger mussels had lower concentrations when collected in June. Furthermore, copper, selenium, zinc, and bromine likely originated from anthropogenic sources, and their higher concentrations in February and June were obtained at lower seawater salinity levels. The concentrations of copper, zinc, selenium, arsenic, and mercury in mussel soft tissue were below the maximum permissible levels.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mats Westerbom, Maria Koivisto
Summary: Understanding the influence of biogenic habitats on species assemblage structure and ecosystem productivity is crucial for conservation. In this study, the authors compared two dominant habitats, brown algae and blue mussels, in the northern Baltic Proper and found that while both habitats are species rich, the blue mussel habitat has higher abundance and biomass, indicating a higher secondary production. Recognizing key habitats and their role in supporting biodiversity and ecosystem productivity is important for predicting community responses to human pressures and implementing effective mitigation actions.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. J. Botelho, C. Vale, F. Marques, C. Moreirinha, S. T. Costa, L. Guilhermino, S. Joaquim, D. Matias, M. Candeias, A. Rudnitskaya
Summary: Marine bivalves in estuarine and coastal areas are exposed to microplastics in water. A study found that the number and characteristics of microplastics in mussels and cockles varied over one year.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Ilker Keskin, Aygul Ekici
Summary: This study used two different collectors to investigate the settlement, growth, and other parameters of Mediterranean mussels. It found that temperature is the most important environmental factor affecting mussel growth. The study also showed significant differences in growth rate between different types of collectors, with polyethylene fishing nets proving unsuitable for Mediterranean mussel cultivation.
AQUACULTURE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Supono Supono, Maria Mugica, Stefan Spreitzenbarth, Andrew Jeffs
Summary: This study investigated the potential use of two concentrated microalgal diets as a replacement for live microalgae in bivalve nursery culture. The results showed that these diets can be used up to 50% substitution without compromising the survival and nutritional profile of juvenile green-lipped mussels.
AQUACULTURE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amanda Gleyce Lima de Oliveira, Rafael Christian Chavez Rocha, Tatiana Dillenburg Saint'Pierre, Rachel Ann Hauser-Davis, Clelia Christina Mello-Silva, Claudia Portes Santos
Summary: This study investigated elemental contamination in Perna perna mussels from Guanabara Bay, Brazil, and found that some samples exceeded the limits set by regulations. However, the estimated daily dietary intake values did not surpass the limits. Continuous monitoring of metal pollution in bivalves in the study area is suggested.
BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kathryn E. Pack, Marc Rius, Nova Mieszkowska
Summary: The study found that lower salinity has a significant and permanent effect on Pacific oysters, while predicted climate change conditions have no long-term impact on adult physiology and survival. This means that the Pacific oyster will continue to be a globally successful non-indigenous species, and contemporary climate change will facilitate their competitive dominance.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Gerardo I. Zardi, Jonathan R. Monsinjon, Christopher D. McQuaid, Laurent Seuront, Mauricio Orostica, Andrew Want, Louise B. Firth, Katy R. Nicastro
Summary: Climate change is predicted to intensify temperature extremes, impacting species distributional changes and ecosystem functioning. Research shows that within-species thermal sensitivity can be modulated by species interactions, with symbiotic parasites in intertidal mussels providing thermal buffering during extreme temperature events.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Ella McKnight, Rebecca Spake, Amanda Bates, Dan A. Smale, Marc Rius
Summary: Contemporary climate change and biological invasions are two main drivers of biodiversity redistribution. Studies suggest that non-native species tend to outperform native species under warming and freshening conditions. Ocean warming is expected to facilitate future spread and success of non-native species, while increased freshening may have negative impacts on both native and non-native species in coastal marine ecosystems.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Kevin C. K. Ma, Molline N. C. Gusha, Gerardo Zardi, Katy R. Nicastro, Jonathan R. Monsinjon, Christopher D. McQuaid
Summary: This study demonstrates that biogeographic boundaries can significantly impact the spread of invasive species. Initial breach of boundaries can lead to rapid spread, but subsequent boundaries encountered may act as barriers. Spatial autocorrelation in population densities and abundance were observed at multiple scales along the southern Africa coast. Detection of spatial structures at different scales suggests that ecologically determined processes regulate abundance and distribution of invasive species.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Kathryn E. Pack, Nova Mieszkowska, Marc Rius
Summary: This study models the niche shifts and potential geographical extent of the Pacific oyster Magallana gigas, a non-indigenous species. The results show rapid niche shifts in both analogue and non-analogue environmental spaces, and predict a poleward expansion and tropical contraction of suitable habitat for M. gigas by 2100.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2022)
Article
Biology
J. Hudson, S. D. Bourne, H. Seebens, M. A. Chapman, M. Rius
Summary: Understanding the history of range shifts is crucial for understanding species distributions. This study examines how anthropogenic transport affects the reconstruction of colonization pathways using genomic data. The results show that different levels of anthropogenic transport do not hinder the elucidation of population structure, but specific inferences of colonization pathways are sometimes difficult to discern.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biology
Luke E. Holman, Shirley Parker-Nance, Mark de Bruyn, Simon Creer, Gary Carvalho, Marc Rius
Summary: The combined methodological approach effectively detected spatial and temporal variation in genetic composition and range size of non-native species, which is crucial for their management and conservation.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Limnology
Lyle D. Vorsatz, Bruce P. Mostert, Christopher D. McQuaid, Stefano Cannicci, Francesca Porri
Summary: Our study suggests that spawning females and embryos of intertidal crabs from warm temperate latitudes are more vulnerable to temperature increases, especially in water. The Oxygen- and Capacity-Limited Thermal Tolerance hypothesis indicates that ontogeny-specific aerobic capacity determines the overall species' thermal sensitivity.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Mauricio H. Orostica, Adam J. Wyness, Jonathan R. Monsinjon, Katy R. Nicastro, Gerardo Zardi, Cassandra Barker, Christopher D. McQuaid
Summary: This study examines the impact of adult mussels as settlement habitat on mussel recruitment and investigates the species-specific suitability of the habitats they offer.
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Alexia M. Dievart, Christopher D. McQuaid, Gerardo Zardi, Katy R. Nicastro, Pierre W. Froneman
Summary: Photoautotrophic euendolithic microorganisms are widely distributed in environments with calcium carbonate substrates and sufficient light. They can infest marine calcifying organisms, causing sub-lethal and lethal damage. However, under suitable conditions, their presence can also have surprising benefits for the host.
Article
Zoology
Melissa K. Boonzaaier-Davids, Kevin C. K. Ma, Christopher D. Mcquaid
Summary: This study reports on the discovery of epibiotic bryozoans on shells of the invasive Mediterranean mussel. Over 2500 mussels were collected from rocky shores in South Africa, and 10% of them hosted epibiotic bryozoans. The study identified three encrusting cheilostome species and a new species with avicularia and ooecia. The research highlights the diversity of epibiotic bryozoans on mussel shells and suggests that invasive species can provide new substratum for rare or undescribed species of epibionts.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Alexia M. Dievart, Christopher D. McQuaid, Gerardo I. Zardi, Katy R. Nicastro, Pierre W. Froneman
Summary: Mussel beds provide thermal buffering and can be colonized by photoautotrophic euendoliths, which indirectly benefit associated molluscs by increasing shell albedo. This study investigated the effect of euendolithic infestation on body temperatures of four mollusc species in artificial mussel beds. Results showed that non-infested beds had higher shell temperatures for two species under high solar irradiance and low wind speeds. Morphological differences between species could explain this contrast. The findings suggest that euendolithic infestation improves humidity and temperature in mussel beds, benefiting associated molluscs particularly under heat stress.
Review
Marine & Freshwater Biology
C. D. Mcquaid
Summary: Understanding the future of Southern Ocean ecosystems requires a holistic approach. Human activities have led to both top-down and bottom-up perturbations in the Southern Ocean. The removal of whales and finfish has disrupted the ecosystem from the top down, affecting other predators. Meanwhile, climate change is altering physical conditions, which will have bottom-up consequences for primary producers and top predators. Three key physical changes - loss of sea ice, changes to water-column stability, and water transport patterns - will impact krill abundances, primary producer community structure, and prey availability to land-breeding predators.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Karolina M. Zarzyczny, Michael E. Hellberg, Elena B. Lugli, Moira MacLean, David A. Paz-Garcia, Marc Rius, Ethan G. Ross, Erick X. Trevino Balandra, James Vanstone, Suzanne T. Williams, Phillip B. Fenberg
Summary: This study investigates the consequences of tropicalisation in rocky shore gastropods using distributional and genetic data. The findings show range contraction in temperate species and range expansion in tropical species. Additionally, population subdivision and phylogeographic breaks are observed in temperate species.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Abigail L. Mabey, Marc Rius, Dan A. Smale, Jane A. Catford
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive overview of research progress on species traits of invasive seaweeds, revealing trends and gaps in traits research. It highlights the concentration of research on invasive seaweed traits in Europe and North America, the focus on a few key species, and the dominance of morphological traits. The study also identifies knowledge gaps in terms of geographical coverage, multi-species research, and biomechanical traits measurement.