The assimilation and chronic effects of sub-lethal concentrations of Endosulfan on condition and spawning in the common mussel Mytilus edulis

David Roberts

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The rate of uptake of Endosulfan by Mytilus edulis L. exposed to pesticide concentrations of 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/l, and its subsequent elution on removal to clean sea water, was investigated. Higher residue levels were recorded for mussels exposed to higher concentrations of the pesticide, but concentration factors were reduced. There was a rapid initial fall in tissue residue levels on transfer to clean sea water due, it is suggested, to elution of Endosulfan adsorbed on particulate matter assimilated in the gut. The spawning period was prolonged at higher concentrations and, at 1.0 mg/l, the onset of spawning was delayed, possibly due to interference with gamonic action. At 0.1 mg/l, the minor protraction of the spawning period may reflect the effect of experimental tank conditions. No seasonal trend was obvious, and there was an exaggeration of the expected fall in condition in mussels exposed to higher concentrations of Endosulfan. In controls, the expected seasonal trend was reduced.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)119-125
Number of pages7
JournalMarine Biology
Volume16(2)
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1971

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The assimilation and chronic effects of sub-lethal concentrations of Endosulfan on condition and spawning in the common mussel Mytilus edulis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this