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Standardizing a Non-Lethal Method for Characterizing the Reproductive Status and Larval Development of Freshwater Mussels Bivalvia: Unionida
Published on: October 4, 2019
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Ocean pH fluctuations affect mussel larvae at key developmental transitions.
L Kapsenberg1, A Miglioli1,2, M C Bitter3
11 Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche, Sorbonne Université, CNRS , 181 chemin du Lazaret, 06230 Villefranche-sur-mer , France.
Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|April 10, 2019
Summary
Ocean acidification impacts mussel larvae development, affecting both shell growth and soft-tissue development. Short-term seawater chemistry changes significantly influence early bivalve larval stages.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Oceanography
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Coastal marine ecosystems exhibit dynamic seawater carbonate chemistry fluctuations.
- Understanding these variations is crucial for assessing ocean acidification impacts on marine life.
- Biological responses to seawater chemistry variability require detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of diel (daily) fluctuations in seawater carbonate chemistry on the early development of Mytilus galloprovincialis (blue mussel) larvae.
- To determine if larval shell growth and development respond to mean seawater chemistry or its variability.
- To investigate the effects of ocean acidification on larval soft-tissue development, independent of calcification.
Main Methods:
- Conducted four experiments (3-22 days) with varying seawater pH (7.4-8.1) and carbonate chemistry variability regimes.
- Monitored larval shell growth and correlated it with mean exposure conditions.
- Utilized fluorescent staining to assess larval soft-tissue development, specifically the shell field and developmental transitions.
Main Results:
- Larval shell growth was directly correlated with mean seawater chemistry, irrespective of variability.
- Larval development timing was sensitive to exposure, with delays observed in shell field development at low pH.
- Abnormal shell field development was linked to hinge defects in D-veliger larvae, indicating impacts on soft-tissue development.
Conclusions:
- Ocean acidification affects larval soft-tissue development in Mytilus galloprovincialis independently of calcification.
- Multiple developmental processes contribute additively to the teratogenic effects of ocean acidification on bivalve larvae.
- Short-term seawater chemistry variability can significantly impact early bivalve larval development, explaining the sensitivity of trochophore stages.
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