Abstract
The frequency distribution of shell lengths in the mussels Mytilus edulis (L.) taken from a site in the Tyne Estuary (UK) in summer, 1980, typically displayed a bimodal shape, with a small peak in the 8 to 20 mm size range and a much broader peak in the 22 to 50 mm region. A collection of mussels was made consisting of two groups, one from each of the above size peaks. The group of larger mussels had a significantly higher mean zinc concentration than the group of smaller mussels, mainly because a few large individuals had very high zinc concentrations. The ratios of shell width:height, width:length and length:height were also significantly higher in larger mussels. However, the ratio of flesh dry wt:shell dry wt (flesh condition) was lower in larger individuals. The whole soft tissue zinc concentration was positively correlated with width:height and width:length, but negatively correlated with flesh wt:shell wt. It was concluded that allometric ratios may provide an attractive alternative to simple size characteristics as a basis for trace metal determinations, particularly in a comparison of metal levels in mussel populations from widely differing habitats where absolute size is a poor indicator of age or growth rate.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
Literature Cited
Boyden, C. R.: Trace element content and body size in molluscs. Nature, Lond. 251, 311–314 (1974)
Boyden, C. R.: Effect of size upon metal content of shellfish. J. mar. biol. Ass. U.K. 57, 675–714 (1977)
Cossa, D., E. Bourget, D. Pouliot, J. Piuze and J. P. Chanut: Geographical and seasonal variations in the relationship between trace metal content and body weight in Mytilus edulis. Mar. Biol. 58, 7–14 (1980)
Davies, I. M. and J. M. Pirie: The mussel Mytilus edulis as a bioassay organism for mercury in seawater. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 9, 128–132 (1978)
Goldberg, E. D., V. T. Bowden, J. W. Farrington, G. Harvey, J. H. Martin, P. L. Parker, R. W. Risebrough, W. Robertson, E. Schneider and E. Gamble: The mussel watch. Envir. Conserv. 5, 101–125 (1978)
Harris, J. E., G. J. Fabris, P. J. Statham and F. Tawfik: Biogeochemistry of selected heavy metals in Western Port, Victoria and use of invertebrates as indicators with emphasis on Mytilus edulis planatus. Aust. J. mar. Freshwat. Res. 30, 159–178 (1979)
Lobel, P. B.: Rapid digestion procedure for use in metal analysis. Mar. Pollut. Bull 9, 22–23 (1978)
Lobel, P. B.: Bioaccumulation of zinc in Mytilus edulis, 142 pp. Ph. D. Thesis. University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne 1981
Lobel, P. B. and D. A. Wright: Frequency distribution of zinc concentrations in the common mussel Mytilus edulis (L.). Estuaries, Solomons, Md (In press)
Manly, R. and W. O. George: The occurrence of some heavy metals in populations of the freshwater mussel Anodonta anatina from the River Thames. Envir. Pollut. 14, 139–154 (1977)
Phillips, D. J. H.: The common mussel Mytilus edulis as an indicator of pollution by zinc, cadmium, lead and copper. I. Effects of environmental variables on uptake of metals. Mar. Biol. 38, 59–69 (1976)
Seed, R.: Factors influencing shell shape in the mussel Mytilus edulis. J. mar. biol. Ass. U.K. 48, 561–584 (1968)
Seed, R.: The ecology of Mytilus edulis L. (Lamellibranchiata) on exposed rocky shores. II. Growth and mortality. Oecologia (Berl.) 3, 317–350 (1969)
Seed, R.: Ecology. In: Marine mussels: their ecology and physiology, pp 13–65. Ed. by B. L. Bayne. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press 1976.
Simpson, R. D.: Uptake and loss of zinc and lead by mussels (Mytilus edulis) and relationships with body weight and reproductive cycle. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 10, 74–78 (1979)
Watling, H. R. and R. J. Watling: Trace metals in Choromytilus meridionalis. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 7, 91–94 (1976)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Communicated by J. Mauchline, Oban
Contribution No. 1221 of the Center for Estuarine and Environmental Studies of the University of Maryland
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Lobel, P.B., Wright, D.A. Relationship between body zinc concentration and allometric growth measurements in the mussel Mytilus edulis . Mar. Biol. 66, 145–150 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00397187
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00397187