Potential of freshwater mussel (Lamellidens marginalis) for cadmium clearance in a model system

Abstract

The cadmium clearance by Lamellidens marginalis was investigated in model systems containing different levels of cadmium. Cadmium was applied at the rate of 10, 20 and 30 mg/1 into 3-1 aquaria provided with and without soil systems. Adult Lamellidens were introduced at the rate of two into each of six treatments, and respective treatments without introduction of Lamellidens served as controls. The total amount of cadmium cleared from water or sediment by Lamellidens was highly concentration and time dependent. Oxygen consumption by Lamellidens was up to 63% higher at 20 mg/1 of cadmium when compared to the control. In the soil-water system, substantial accumulation of cadmium occurred in the sediment resulting in 5-27% reduction for all tissues in the order: gill > liver > shell > mantle. At the end of the experiment, there was weight loss of Lamellidens in all the concentrations of cadmium more in higher concentration than at low. It is concluded that Lamellidens might be profitably used as a biofilter for the reclamation of moderately cadmium contaminated aquatic systems.

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