Impact of particulate pollutant metals on larval and adult bivalve molluscs

Our investigations of the effects of pollutants on bivalve molluscs have continued with studies with in the following areas: bioaccumulation of trace metals in adult sea scallops exposed to dissolved and particulate forms of the metals, SEM/EDXA studies of phosphoritic concretions in the kidneys of adult sea scallops (Placopecten magellanicus), documentation of the normal embryonic and larval development, including shell formation, in surf clams (Spisula solidissima), evaluation of the toxicity of dissolved silver to the gametes and larvae of surf clams at several stages of development, and examination of the effects of turbid suspensions on the feeding efficiency of larval Mercenaria mercenaria. The overall goal of our work is twofold. First, we are striving to gain an understanding of the pathways by which metals are transported within bivalve molluscs. The production of metallothioneins and metal-rich inorganic concretions have been documented for a number of bivalves. The ways in which of metal-rich matrices in membrane-limited vesicles as an intermediate step, is one area of investigation. Second, we are examining the relative sensitivities of the gamete and of early life stages of these organisms to stresses induced by exposure to energy-related pollutants. 46 refs., 12 figs., 8 tabs.