Ackerman, J.D., 1999. Effect of Velocity on the Filter Feeding of Dreissenid Mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and Dreissena bugensis): Implications for Trophic Dynamics, University of Northern British Columbia.

Reprinted from Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (1999) 56(9): 1551-156

Effect of Velocity on the Filter Feeding of Dreissenid Mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and Dreissena bugensis): Implications for Trophic Dynamics

Abstract
Fluid dynamic forcer were found to significantly affect the ability of freshwater dreissenid mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and Dreissena bugensis) to clear plankton. Tests conducted in a flow chamber at <1 cm·s^-1 were consistent with published clearance rates from standard tats involving unstirred containers (i.e., 60-70 mL·mussel^-1·h^-1 11-mm-long mussels). Increasing ambient velocity up to ~10 cm·s^-1 led to clearance rates at Ieast twice those of standard testing methods. Higher velocities (~20 cm·s^-1) were inhibitory and resulted in reduced clearance rates. There were no detectable differences in the clearance rates of D. polymorpha and D. bugensis of equal size tested it ~10 cm·s^-1, but large mussels had greater clearance rates than small ones. These results were found to be consistent with observations from marine bivalves and indicate that fluid dynamic issues are of importance in freshwater ecosystems, especially those that are shallow and (or) flowing. The trophic dynamics of these ecosystems will be better understood when the effects of fluid dynamics on the organism's ability to filter feed and the local delivery of seston through turbulent mixing are considered.

Entire Paper:
Contact: Josef Ackerman, University of Northern British Columbia, Environmental Studies Programme, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Prince George, BC V2N 4Z9, CANADA
Key Words: Zebra_mussel, Quagga_mussels, Basic_biology
Product Type: Research, Basic_biology
User Type: General