[Ecophysiological characteristics of Mytilus edulis L. living near the chalybeate spring]

The White Sea mussels Mytilus edulis constantly living near chalybeate accumulate significant amounts of iron as well as zinc and manganese in soft tissues that exceed the background leve 5-10 and 2-3 times, respectively at the upper habitat limit. These mollusks feature iron particles in the blood system. It was established from chalybeate streamways appearing in chalybeate water during reflux that M. edulis tightly pressurizes its shell for this period. As a result, calcium content increases in hemolymph and cavity fluid at the expense of calcium joint of the shell. By the beginning of flux, it reaches ca. 12%; hypostracum of the shell shows specific signs of dissolution, that are manifested as brown prints of blood vessels due to their filling with iron particles. In the period of maximum drying no overhydration is observed in the mollusks and a constantly high concentration of salt is preserved in the cavity fluid.