The effect of pollution on scope for growth of the mussel (Mytilus edulis L.) in Iceland

• In order to evaluate effects of contaminants at high latitudes, the effects on scope for growth (SFG) were evaluated for both transplanted and resident blue mussel (Mytilus edulis L.) near large and small harbours in Iceland. Low SFG values were found for mussels at the mouth and in the inner part of the large Reykjavik harbour, which could be attributed to elevated levels of organotins and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. Mussels in smaller and/or less polluted harbours and sites off Reykjavik harbour only showed a slight reduction in SFG. No major effects were found at sites > 3 km from the large harbour of Reykjavik. SFG provides valuable information on the effects of harbour pollutants in Iceland, in particular in areas of extensive shipping activity. The use of this biomarker on high latitude organisms is highly relevant due to extended oil exploration at higher latitudes. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Biologi -- Ekologi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Biological Sciences -- Ecology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

scope for growth

pollution

harbours

Iceland

Mytilus edulis

POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC-HYDROCARBONS

DOGWHELK NUCELLA-LAPILLUS

SYDNEY

ROCK OYSTERS

PHYSIOLOGICAL ENERGETICS

SACCOSTREA-COMMERCIALIS

FOOD

CONCENTRATION

CONTAMINANT LEVELS

BUCCINUM-UNDATUM

NORTH-SEA

SEDIMENTS

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)