Klerks, P.L., P.C. Fraleigh, and J.E. Lawniczak, 1996.  Effects of Zebra Mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) on Seston Levels and Sediment Deposition in Western Lake Erie, University of Southwestern Louisiana, University of Toledo

Reprinted from Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 53: 2284-2291 (1996)

Effects of Zebra Mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) on Seston Levels and Sediment Deposition in Western Lake Erie

Abstract
The establishment of high densities of the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) in western Lake Erie has resulted in a substantial increase in the flux of particulate matter from the water column to the benthos. Effects of D. polymorpha on seston levels were determined in field-station experiments with flow-through Lake Erie water, while sedimentation rates were determined in the same experimental design and in field experiments with mussels on sedimentation traps. At mussel densities reflective of natural conditions, biodeposition exceeded normal sedimentation by about 50%. Extremely high biodeposition rates (averaging 28 mg · cm ^-2 · day ^-1 at a mussel density of 1180 individuals/m*) were measured at high-turbidity sites near the mouth of the Maumee River. Suspended matter concentrations were substantially reduced in the presence of the mussels. Calculations combining biodeposition estimates with measured suspended matter levels predict that zebra mussels in western Lake Erie may remove between 7 and 30% of the total suspended matter per day. Biodeposition by zebra mussels may also result in an increase in sediment organic content.

Entire Paper
Contact: Paul. L. Klerks, Department of Biology, University of Southwestern Louisiana, P.O. Box 42451, Lafayette, LA 70504
Keywords: Zebra_mussel, Environmental_impacts, Ecological_interactions
Product Type: Research, Impact
User Type: General