title: Field-to-laboratory transport protocol impacts subsequent physiological biomarker response in the marine mussel, Perna canaliculus.
abstract: The transfer of mussels from field to laboratory, or transplantation between clean and contaminated field settings, is a common protocol in ecotoxicology. However, collection and transport of mussels could lead to stress that may impact biomarker responses, and thus confound interpretation of results. Physiological responses (clearance rate, absorption efficiency, excretion rate, respiration rate and scope-for-growth) of green-lipped mussels (Perna canaliculus) exposed to four different transportation protocols were investigated. These protocols included immersion in site seawater (SSW), immersion in artificial seawater (ASW), and emersion (aerial transport; EMS) at two temperatures (15°C and 5°C). Physiological measurements were conducted after a simulated 24h "transport" phase and a 48h "recovery" phase. Clearance rates were significantly inhibited by the EMS 5°C and ASW protocols relative to SSW treatment, although the clearance rate of the latter recovered after 48h. A similar pattern was observed for excretion and respiration rates for ASW. Decreased excretion rates for EMS 15°C and respiration rates for EMS 5°C were also recorded relative to values for SSW following "recovery". Negative scope-for-growth was observed for all treatments except EMS 15°C. These data suggest transport emersed at ambient air temperatures is the best method to maintain physiological health of green-lipped mussels.
authors.affiliation: School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand. rch118@uclive.ac.nz
authors.forename: Rathishri
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Chandurvelan
authors.forename: Islay D
authors.initials: ID
authors.lastname: Marsden
authors.forename: Sally
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gaw
authors.forename: Chris N
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Glover
mesh_terms: D000641:Ammonia / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D000460:Chlorophyta / Q000378:metabolism; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry; D006234:Handling, Psychological; D008386:Marine Biology / Q000379:methods*; D010100:Oxygen / Q000378:metabolism; D049883:Perna / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D056152:Respiratory Rate; D054712:Salinity; D012623:Seawater; D013312:Stress, Physiological; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors; D014186:Transportation
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D000641:Ammonia; D010100:Oxygen