Copper and Zinc Accumulation by a Transplanted Bivalve, Elliptio buckleyi, in Freshwater Systems in Central Florida

ABSTRACT

We evaluated the potential use of the native freshwater bivalve, Elliptio buckleyi, as a biomonitor for stormwater metals [i.e., copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn)] in four small water bodies in central Florida. Mussels were collected from a local stream, placed into cages and then deployed into water bodies that received urban drainage of varying quality. Over a 12-month period, mussel growth rates and changes in tissue metal concentrations were compared to the reference site. Growth rate of E. buckleyi was not influenced by water column metal levels; initial mussel size largely determined growth rate. Growth rates were also greater at sites with higher water hardness and chlorophyll a concentrations, suggesting that these parameters may influence growth rates. Metal concentrations in soft-body tissues of transplanted mussels populations increased with increasing water column Zn and Cu concentrations and this relationship was independent of mussel growth rate. Our data demonstrate that E. buckleyi can be an effective biomonitor for these metals in fresh waters.