A non-lethal method to assess element content in the endangered Pinna nobilis

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Environmental Science
• Biomonitoring

Background:

• The fan shell (Pinna nobilis), a large Mediterranean bivalve, is critically endangered.
• Assessing environmental pollution and organism health requires understanding element concentrations in tissues and surroundings.
• Non-lethal monitoring methods are crucial for protected species.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if element concentrations in non-lethal tissues of Pinna nobilis can indicate environmental pollution.
• To compare element levels in acellular tissues (byssus, shell) with soft tissues and the environment.
• To establish a non-lethal method for monitoring this endangered species.

Main Methods:

• Screening of element concentrations in seawater, sediments, and four soft tissues (hepatopancreas, gills, mantle, muscle).
• Analysis of element concentrations in acellular tissues: calcite shell layer and byssus.
• Comparative analysis of element data from different tissues and environmental samples.

Main Results:

• Byssus element concentrations (e.g., B, Ag, As, Mn, Mo, Pb, Se) showed potential correlation with soft tissues.
• Certain elements (Cr, Sb, Sn, V) in the byssus strongly reflected environmental exposure, suggesting historical records.
• Calcite shell layer element concentrations did not correlate with environmental levels; essential elements (Cu, Fe, Ni, Zn) likely relate to biological activity.

Conclusions:

• Element concentration in the byssus offers a viable non-lethal biomonitoring tool for Pinna nobilis.
• Byssus analysis can reveal environmental element presence and organism exposure pathways.
• This method aids in monitoring the health of this endangered species and its environment.