title: Sensory determinants of valve rhythm dynamics provide in situ biodetection of copper in aquatic environments.
abstract: This study successfully applied an improved valvometry technique to measure waterborne copper (Cu), based on valve activity dynamics of the freshwater clam Corbicula fluminea. The improved valvometry technique allows the use of free-range bivalves and avoids causing stresses from experimental artifacts. The proposed daily valve rhythm models and a toxicodynamics-based Hill model were linked to predict valve dynamic responses under different Cu exposures with a circadian valve rhythm endpoint. Cu-specific detection threshold was 5.6 (95 % CI 2.1-9.3) and 19.5 (14.6-24.3) μg L(-1) for C. fluminea, based on response times of 300 and 30 min, respectively. Upon exposure to Cu concentrations in excess of 50 μg L(-1), the alteration of valve rhythm behavior was correlated with Cu concentration within 30 min, indicating notable sensing ability. This study outlines the feasibility of an in situ early warning dynamic biomonitoring system for detection of waterborne Cu based on circadian valve activities of C. fluminea.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomechatronic Engineering, National Ilan University, Ilan, Taiwan, 26047, Republic of China.
authors.forename: Li-John
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Jou
authors.affiliation: Department of Post-Modern Agriculture, MingDao University, Changhua, Taiwan, 52345, Republic of China.
authors.forename: Bo-Ching
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, 80708, Republic of China.
authors.forename: Wei-Yu
authors.initials: WY
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, 10617, Republic of China. cmliao@ntu.edu.tw.
authors.forename: Chung-Min
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Liao
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003300:Copper / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D049874:Corbicula / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D005618:Fresh Water; D008954:Models, Biological; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D003300:Copper
keywords: Biological early warning system; Copper; Environmental monitoring; Freshwater clam; Valve rhythm; Valvometry technique