Accumulation of Iron, Manganese, Zinc and Cadmium by the Australian Freshwater Mussel Velesunio ambiguus (Phillipi) and Its Potential as a Biological Monitor

Abstract

The accumulation of iron, manganese, zinc and cadmium by freshwater mussels in the River Murray, South Australia, and their response to changes in environmental iron concentrations are considered. Metal loads varied markedly between individuals from the same population. The variability is accounted for partly by systematic relationships between metal loads and body weight and age, but not sex. The distribution of metals between the major organs is discussed, but the analysis of separate organs showed no advantage for biological monitoring. Comparisons between iron concentrations in river water and in mussels showed no clear correspondence. The study suggests that V. ambiguus may not be a good short-term monitor of iron, but still may have potential as a long-term and site-comparison monitor of metals. once inherent variability is taken into account.