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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Functional responses of filter feeders increase with elevated metal contamination: Are these good or bad signs of environmental health?

Full text
Author(s):
Martinez, Aline S. [1, 2] ; Mayer-Pinto, Mariana [2] ; Christofoletti, Ronaldo A. [1]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Inst Mar, BR-11070100 Santos, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ New South Wales, Ctr Marine Sci & Innovat, Sch Biol, Evolut & Ecol Res Ctr, Sydney, NSW 2052 - Australia
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: Marine Pollution Bulletin; v. 149, DEC 2019.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Fast urbanization in coastal areas has increased the load of contaminants entering estuaries worldwide, threatening the diversity and provision of services by these important systems. Contamination causes structural changes in ecosystems, but the consequences for their functioning are still overlooked. Here we investigated filtration and biodeposition rates of the mussel Mytilaster solisiamas across different concentrations of metals, nutrients and suspended material, and levels of urbanization. As expected, filtration rates increased with the number of particles in the water column. However, in areas with low particle concentration, filtering increased in mussels with higher metal concentrations (Cu/Zn/Ni), which were, in turn, related to high urbanization. Similarly, biodeposition rates were positively related to metal concentration in mussels. The increased functional responses observed here is likely a symptom of stress, caused by potential compensatory mechanisms to the energetic costs of cell maintenance and body detoxification of mussels, rather than an indication of healthy systems/organisms. Capsule: Increased functional responses of mussels can be a sign of environmental stress. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 16/24551-4 - The strength of ecological interactions and the environmental mediation at coastal ecosystems
Grantee:Ronaldo Adriano Christofoletti
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 16/11947-7 - Coastal hardening: knowledge status, impacts and future projections
Grantee:Aline Sbizera Martinez
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral