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A method for embryo-larval development toxicity testing on an endemic and commercially important mussel, Perna
Anne Rolton1, Olivier Champeau1, Javier Atalah1
1Cawthron Institute, 98 Halifax St East, Nelson, 7010, New Zealand.
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
|March 23, 2026
Summary
A new bioassay enables toxicity testing for the green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) using reconstituted seawater. This method allows accurate assessment of environmental contaminants, protecting this culturally important species and its aquaculture industry.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Ecotoxicology
- Aquaculture science
Background:
- Bivalve embryo-larval development tests are standard bioassays for ecotoxicity.
- The green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) was previously unsuitable for toxicity testing due to seawater quality requirements.
- There is a need for a reliable toxicity testing method for P. canaliculus, a species of significant cultural, environmental, and economic importance in New Zealand.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel bioassay for assessing the toxicity of chemicals and environmental samples on P. canaliculus early life stages.
- To determine the optimal conditions for P. canaliculus embryo-larval development using reconstituted seawater (RSW).
- To validate the new bioassay using zinc as a model toxicant.
Main Methods:
- Investigated the role of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in P. canaliculus oocyte aging and fertilization.
- Compared embryo-larval development in natural seawater (SW) with and without EDTA versus RSW with and without EDTA.
- Validated the developed method using zinc toxicity testing in RSW.
Main Results:
- Aging oocytes and fertilizing gametes in seawater with a minimum of 1.2 µM EDTA was essential for successful larval development.
- Larval survival was comparable between SW (with EDTA) and RSW (with or without EDTA) after initial gamete exposure.
- Zinc toxicity (LC50) values in RSW were comparable to those reported for other bivalve species, validating the assay.
Conclusions:
- Standardized embryo-larval development testing of P. canaliculus can be performed in RSW if EDTA carry-over is controlled (<100 nM).
- The developed bioassay provides a critical tool for environmental management and protection of the P. canaliculus aquaculture industry.
- This new method enhances the ability to assess the impact of contaminants on this ecologically and economically vital bivalve species.
