Comparative oxygen and carbon isotopic records of miocene and recent lacustrine unionid bivalves from Poland

Abstract

The δ13C and δ18O isotope data from both fossil (Miocene) and modern fresh water bi valve shells of family Unionidae from Poland (species Margaritifera flabellatiformis and Unio tumidus, respectively) show a similar, truncated sinusoidal pattern. The isotopic profiles of the shells are visibly marked by three growth stages, linked with a progressive loss of environmental record be cause of declining intra-annual biocarbonate accretion rate. The juvenile and gerontic phases exhibit generally more positive and stable (plateau) isotopic pattern than the mid-age stage. An increasing δ13C trend is typial for the final life stage, likely influenced by nutrient over loading, reversing the tendency to wards 13C depletion through out the individual's life induced by metabolic processes. Due to the progressive loss of environmental signals through ontogeny, these initial and final isotopic profile segments probably correspond to, respectively, an instant signature of the first season growth, and a multiyear value set of summer maxima during geriatric stage. Vague seasonal cyclic record is the striking feature of the mid-age δ18O and δ13C pro file slices. In case of low-amplitude δ18O curve, this is probably promoted by a sensitivity of the lake eco system to many dynamic intra-annual factors affecting water bud get balance. This consistent signature mode seems to be typical for lake-dwelling unionid shells at least since Miocene from different climatic zones, as con firmed by coeval lacus trine low-latitude mussels from Amazonia. Thus, this isotope record is relevant to obtain information on the habitat and life cycle of the fossil fresh water bi valves, as well as could help to understand modern environ mental change.