Uptake and release of petroleum hydrocarbons by two brackish water bivalves, Mytilus edulis L. and Macoma baltica (L.)

Abstract

The uptake and release patterns of PHC (petroleum hydrocarbon) refinery waste water in low level concentrations (maximum total PHC concentration = 176μg·1^-1) by the two bivalves Mytilus edulis L. and Macoma baltica (L.) have been investigated (GC and fluorescence spectrophotometric analyses) in an experimental outdoor flow through basin.

Mytilus edulis showed a short period of fast uptake (maximum total PHC concentration = 109μg·g^-1 wet weight) and a fast initial release followed by a longer period of slow release. Macoma baltica showed a slower and more extended uptake (maximum total PHC concentration = 73μg·g^-1 wet weight) and release pattern probably due to its feeding behaviour, lower respiration rate indicating a slower metabolism and possibly lower PHC-metabolizing activity.

We conclude that in many situations, especially in brackish water systems, the physiology, behaviour and distribution of Macoma baltica make it an alternative monitoring organism to the more commonly used Mytilus edulis.