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Heavy metals from households and industrialization discharge into coastal and marine ecosystems could threaten living organisms. Hence, control of heavy metals from the environment should be done. The application of waste seashells as adsorbent for heavy metal has received growing interest due to having porous surface structure, abundance availability, eco-friendliness, and low cost. Instead of being dumped, which can lead to environmental pollution, this study aims to use green mussel (Perna viridis) and blood cockle (Anadara granosa) shells as adsorbents for Cr(VI) ion. Blood cockle and green mussel shells were cleaned, then milled into powder (150 µm), semi-rough fragment (45 µm), and rough fragment (2 mm). The concentration of Cr(VI) ion in the samples was determined by AAS method. The shell was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The result shows that the amount of ion Cr(VI) adsorped increased with decreasing particle size of the adsorbent, and the maximum amount of adsorption was obtained by Anadara granosa (65,767%) rather than by Perna viridis (58,073%). According to these results, the shells of both Anadara granosa and Perna viridis could be used as effective adsorbent for chromium. More research is needed to apply this method effectively in conjunction with the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mytilus edulis is a kind of small shellfish, one of the foodstuffs that are widely consumed in Surabaya, Indonesia. This type of mussel lives in the sea or beach and groups on the bottom of muddy waters or sandy mud. The large population of mussels in East Java is found along the coast in Surabaya. This study aims to identify microplastics in Mytilus edulis. Identification of microplastic content in mussels was carried out in several steps, including the search for suspected microplastic particles, dissection, and extraction method. The particles found in each method were then identified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to ensure that the found specimens were microplastic. The search results for microplastic particles using the dissection method found 8 particles, and the extraction method found 16 particles. The identification of microplastic forms in mussel samples using a microscope obtained three types of microplastic: fragments, fibers, and filaments. The identification of each particle by FTIR showed polypropylene, polyamide, wool, rayon fiber, and polyvinyl alcohol. This study highlights the method that can be used to identify the microplastic particles in aquatic biota. The data obtained in this study could be useful for environmental monitoring and remediation action in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) was a type of bioceramics synthesized from Calcium. In this study, HAP synthesized from the shell of A. nutaliana is applied as an active ingredient in a toothpaste formula to treat and remineralize the tooth enamel layer. The antibacterial activity of HAp against 4 species of caries bacteria; Nocardia asteroides, Nocardia erythropolys; Lactobacillus acidophilus; and Streptococcus mutans showed the inhibitory area sequentially 0.00 ± 0.000mm; 0.00 ± 0.0000mm; 5.21 ± 0.0273mm; and 0.00 ± 0.0000mm; those inhibitory area belongs to the very weak antibacterial range. To increase the antibacterial activity, the HAp was modified using Chitosan, CNt, and a mix of Chitosan and CNt. The modification using Chitosan increases the antibacterial activity against the same bacteria. The inhibitory area showed sequentially 22.08 ± 0.0186 mm; 22.26 ± 0.0186 mm; 22.36 ± 0.0088 mm; and 21.19 ± 0.0120 mm, classified into very strong antibacterial range. The modification using CNt increases the antibacterial activity against same bacteria, the inhibitory area showed sequentially 10.34 ± 0.0033mm; 7.04 ± 0.0145mm; 11.07 ± 0.0265mm; and 8.45 ± 0.0145mm, then classified into weak-middle antibacterial range. The modification by the mix of Chitosan:CNt showed the increase of antibacterial activity against the same bacteria, the inhibitory area showed sequentially 18.10 ± 0.0153mm; 18.03 ± 0.0058mm; 19.05 ± 0.0058 mm; and 17.17 ± 0.0289mm, categorized as a middle antibacterial range. The modification also stabilized using the mineral ions; Ag, Ti, Zn, and Mg causing an increase in antibacterial activity. The overall results of modifications to the HAp succeed to increase the antibacterial activity of the HAp against the caries bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of the development of a recipe formula for the mussel sauce based on a protein- carbohydrate concentrate from Mytilus galloprovincialis Lam., produced in the process of enzymatic hydrolysis and recommended for use in therapeutic and prophylactic nutrition. However, due to the fact that the concentrate has a specific flavor, the authors proposed to expand the scope of the concentrate as a food seasoning. It is proposed, in addition to the protein-carbohydrate concentrate, to introduce the following ingredients: honey, granulated sugar, dried ginger, garlic, wine vinegar, refined olive oil, water, and thickener−sodium alginate E401 in.the formula of the mussel sauce. It was tested the addition of dried sprouts of the green algae Ulva rigida C. Ag. into the composition of the sauce. The algae were grown according to technology developed by the authors for this species of macrophytes. U. rigida additionally enriches mussel sauce with polysaccharides, dietary fiber, minerals, in particular iodine. All the ingredients are taken in certain ratios, which allow to balance the taste of the protein-carbohydrate concentrate, giving new sweet and sour flavoring notes, and also to reduce the salt content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of surface coatings demands a better understanding of surface/interface chemistry to design high-performance coating materials. We have studied the polymerization processes of mussel-inspired adhesive protein, Dopamine. Molecular level insight on the mechanism of thin film formation during the polymerization processes has been probed using sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy. The investigations of the polydopamine thin films with variation in polymerization time of dopamine at air-polymer interface reveal the molecular footprints and polymerization mechanism of dopamine. The polymerization intermediates were dependent on polymerization time, which can be used for immobilization strategies. Additionally, the morphological measurements show the formation of nanoparticles during the polymerization at the surfaces even when the vertical orientation of sample and/ or stirring of solution were followed to prevent macro/nanostructures. The acquired investigations can be applied in designing the deterministic surfaces and interfaces for coating, coupling, and sensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiesel is a well-known substitution of diesel oil in the transportation sector. Crude palm oil is mostly used as raw material to produce biodiesel. However, the price of crude palm oil is fluctuate that cause high cost of biodiesel production. Contrarily, restaurants produce abundance waste cooking oil and has cheaper price than crude palm oil. The objective of this study is to synthesized biodiesel from waste cooking oil by microwave assisted esterification with low reaction power using CaO catalyst that derived from green mussel shell waste and limestone (1:1 w/w) as heterogeneous catalyst to assist the transesterification process. The experimental results indicated that waste cooking oil have the potential to be raw material of biodiesel. The best performance esterification is 0, 0241 mg NaOH/g of acid value obtained at a reaction time of 15 minute at microwave power of 400 W. The highest biodiesel yield (83, 89%) was found by oil methanol ratio of 1:12 at microwave power of 400 W and reaction time of 15 minute. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jakarta Bay water has endured severe pollution load, and the water is being severely polluted; however, green mussels (Perna viridis) can survive. This study aimed to evaluate whether green mussels at Muara Angke, Jakarta Bay have endured oxidative stress by measuring enzyme activities, including catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) level. The control population was green mussels obtained from Panimbang, Pandeglang, Banten. The measurement of SOD, catalase, GPx, enzymes, and MDA level was performed using a spectrophotometer. Data were analyzed using Mann Whitney test, Spearman Rank correlation test, and followed with the Z-Fisher test. Results of the study showed that: (1) No significant different activity of SOD enzyme in green mussels of both area; (2) there was the significantly higher activity of catalase enzyme in green mussels of Muara Angke, Jakarta Bay compared to those of Panimbang, Banten area; (3)there was a significantly lower activity of GPx enzyme in green mussels of Muara Angke, Jakarta Bay; (4) the MDA level was significantly higher in green mussels of Muara Angke, Jakarta Bay; (5) the correlation coefficient for enzyme activities of SOD, catalase, GPx, and MDA level was not significant in green mussels in Muara Angke, Jakarta Bay and Panimbang, Banten. The high MDA level and low SOD and GPxactivities indicate that the green mussel of Muara Angke, Jakarta Bay have experienced oxidative stress. MDA level and GPx enzyme activity can be used as biomarkers for oxidative stress in green mussels of Muara Angke, Jakarta Bay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indonesia is a maritime state. A country in which most of the territory is oceanic. Mussel is one of the most abundant commodities of seafood and The demand of it is high. The mussel extraction process is stilldone in manual way in indonesia, It is not only waste alot of time but it is also dangerous for the workers The design of this machine is conducted by Static bike modification atau by modifying a static bike ergonomic. Therefore, it is environmentally safe in its peeling process. The research aims to make the design of mussel Peeler machine, and testing mussel to find out the capacity and effectiveness of the machine.. The research methods used are the identification of problems, machinery design and chains and machine trials. The resulting engine design consists of three main parts namely the axle as a peeler, the dual-chain transmission as a mobilizer, and two furnaces as a machine house and a boiling medium. The results of this study were quantitatively carried out with 1.5 kg, 2 kg, and 2.5 kg test materials to determine the maximum capacity of the tool, as well as further trials with the weight of the 1.5 kg test material to determine the effectiveness of the tool. The conclusion from the results of the trial is that the maximum capacity is 2.5 kg and is most effectively carried out at the weight of the 1.5 kg test material with 11 minutes heating or boiling time. Ergonomically reviewed, this tool is better than manual stripping. Because conventional stripping has turned into a paddle system, so as to minimize the occurrence of lower back pain and overcome hand injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusconaia Masoni, better known as the Atlantic Pigtoe, is a critically endangered species of the mussel genus. Found primarily in North Carolina, this freshwater species plays an important role in maintaining North Carolina's unique and diverse wildlife, warranting strong conservation efforts. The Atlantic Pigtoe mussel population is currently being surveyed by traditional catch and release methods. Due to this species' small size and vulnerable state, this process can be time consuming, highly inaccurate, and even harmful to the mussel population. Alternatively, environmental DNA analysis can be utilized as a viable option for surveying species presence and potentially prevalence. Environmental DNA (eDNA) includes any genetic material shed by an organism within its own environment. Water samples from the Deep, Haw and Rocky rivers were collected and filtered on site to collect eDNA. In the lab, eDNA was purified and analyzed by PCR and gel electrophoresis. NCBI BLAST was used to identify PCR primers specific to the Atlantic Pigtoe and excluding all other species in the region. Currently an assay is being authenticated using PCR primers for a small subunit rRNA gene and a subunit of NADH dehydrogenase. DNA isolated from a sample of the Atlantic Pigtoe is used as a positive control. Universal primers for GAPDH confirm the presence of eDNA, while the presence of both a 167 bp product and a 329 bp product, from the NADH gene and rRNA gene respectively, indicate the presence of DNA from the Atlantic Pigtoe. Product sequencing will validate the use of this primer pair as a simple tool for species presence. Ultimately, the use of eDNA PCR assays in monitoring of the endangered Atlantic Pigtoe aims to increase sampling efficiency, allow for larger scale monitoring efforts and reduce our impact on these vulnerable species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) is Charlotte's only Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and the number one ranked private HBCU in North Carolina. Over the past several years, our environmental and sustainability programming has incorporated active science education research aimed to increase the participation of African Americans (AAs) in sustainability and environmental sciences, and to improve stakeholder engagement in the environmental sector. Over the past three years, we hosted summer immersion programs for undergraduate students that included travel across multiple physiographic provinces. During the fall academic semester a collection of water samples were later used for analysis in a special topics eDNA course (BIO 491). In this course students are introduced to a mix of textbook material and engage in projects using real-world eDNA samples. Students learn laboratory skills through the use of qPCR analysis and also have the opportunity to analyze metabarcoding data contextualized to address relevant biodiversity concerns. Herein, we report on a metabarcoding dataset representing eDNA samples collected from five locations of the Little Tennessee River, each sampled in duplicate (n=10). Sampling sites were guided by the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences collections database accessed online. Using a cytochrome c oxidase (COI) metabarcode, 30 unique sequences were recovered representing a total of four species each from different genera. The samples averaged a 99.2% match with BLAST sequences from GenBank and none were less than a 97.4% match. The Tennessee Clubshell, Pleurobema oviforme, was detected from two samples from two different locations. The Rainbow, Villosa iris, was detected from seven samples from five different locations. This experiential learning activity and our findings will be discussed in context to broader applications for addressing modern environmental threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green mussels (Perna viridis) have an important ecological and economic role for the community and the environment in the coastal region. On the other hand, heavy metal pollution poses a serious threat to the environment and human health due to its high toxicity. The objective of this study is to determine the toxicity of cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) to the development of green mussel larvae. This research was carried out using 48 h sub-lethal bioassay toxicity test. Both metals were shown to increase the percentage of abnormalities of green mussel larvae at the highest concentrations of 89.26% (at 3.62 ppm Cd) and 92.87% (at 18.89 ppb Cu), respectively. 48 h EC50 values for Cd and Cu are 1.97 ppm and 11.70 ppb, respectively. Based on the EC50 value, green mussel larvae are more sensitive to Cu than Cd. The results of this study also indicate that the green mussel larvae Perna viridis can be used as a bio-indicator of Cd and Cu pollution in coastal waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, data related to the levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated dioxins and furans (PCDDs/Fs) in mussels bred in the marine coastal area of Taranto town are shown and discussed. The analysis of the data, acquired in five years of monitoring, in relation to the "Monitoring Plan" started by the "Local Health Authorities", has allowed to identify the farming areas with the greatest contamination. A seasonal variation in the concentrations of the organic contaminants was highlighted, related to the physiological state of the bivalves, with an increase in the summer months. The evaluation of the distribution of the various congeners (Fingerprint) was useful to identify the contamination sources. The obtained results show that the areas of the first Inlet of the Mar Piccolo basin are those in which the pollutants concentrations in mussels are often higher than the limits set by the legislation. As regards the risk for human health, associated with the consumption of mussels in the examined areas, it generally depends not only on the level of contamination but also on the dietary intake. The results indicate, however, that for the populations residing in contaminated coastal areas, the consumption of a greater quantity of seafood could be a risk factor for the bioaccumulation of non biodegradable toxic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The food web in the Laurentian Great Lakes has undergone dramatic changes over several decades. Specifically, these changes include altered nutrient concentrations, as a result of agricultural practices, collapse of invasive plankton-consuming alewives as a result of both salmon predation and competition with quagga and zebra mussels for food, and loss of the spring phytoplankton bloom due to filter feeding by dreissenids. Although the changes in the upper food web is visible, little is known about shifts in the different species within the microbial food web (MFW) and their direct impacts on the zooplankton grazing pattern and its indirect impact on fisheries. A key to understanding MFW dynamics is identifying predator (zooplankton)-prey relationships within the MFW, which involves depicting zooplankton feeding preferences. A combination of 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA universal gene target metabarcoding analysis can determine prey in the gut contents for both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. However, a major problem is that DNA extracted from the gut contents are heavily contaminated by predator DNA and 18S rRNA metabarcoding results in >99% of host sequences. We developed CRISPR-Cas-9 Selective Amplicon Sequencing (CCSAS) markers, which targets and cuts specially predator 18S rDNA, vastly increasing the proportion of prey DNA to predator DNA in the resulting sequencing library, thereby helping us determine the selective grazing patterns of variety of native and invasive zooplankton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of heavy metal depuration, Nickel (Ni) and Chromium (Cr), in marine species (Perna viridis) from Kamal Estuary, North Jakarta was observed in this research. The concentrations of Ni and Cr in Perna viridis from Kamal Estuary were determined as control. The depuration was conducted with acetic acid in various concentrations 1%, 3%, 5%, and 10%, and water temperature variations of 60°C, 80°C, and 100°C. Both acetic acid and water depuration treatments were obtained at 1, 2, and 4 hours immersion, with and without stirring. In the control groups, Ni metal content is obtained as much as 2.113 mg/kg and for Cr is 3.426 mg/kg. The greatest decrease in metal content was obtained by the immersion treatment of 10% acetic acid for 4 hour with stirring, which are 0.085 mg/kg for Ni and 1.492 mg/kg for Cr after treatment. Protein content was also determined before and after depuration by Kjeldahl method to investigate the possibility of damage and loss of amino acids. Protein content before depuration is 20.544% and for treatment after depuration with the greatest decrease in metal content is 20.475%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research is to determine the effect of depuration treatment on the reduction of heavy metals content (Hg and Pb) in green mussels (Perna viridis) culture in Jakarta Bay waters. This research used a block randomized design with 2 blocks (location), and 4 treatments: A0 (control), A1 (heated), A2 (flowing water), and A3 (EDTA) with 3 replications. The analysis of heavy metals content was performed with Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) method, analysis data by ANOVA, Duncan and Dunnett test. The result of the experiment showed that the lowest heavy metal content is on the treatment A2 (flowing water). There is no significant difference (P>0.05), between Cilincing and Kamal estuaries location. Effect of the depuration showed a significant result (P<0.05) on heavy metal reduction. The Dunnet test showed that treatment of A1 and A2 are significantly different (P > 0.05) with control, but there are no significant difference (P < 0.05) between treatment of A3 (EDTA) with control. The average concentration of Hg and Pb in green mussels (Perna viridis) on the treatment A0 (control) are 0.09 ppm and 5.98 ppm,, treatment A1 (heating) 0.045 ppm and 4.05 ppm, treatment A2 (flowing water) 0.035 ppm and 2.98 ppm, and treatment A3 (EDTA) 0.05 ppm and 5.31 ppm. Lead (Pb) content in green mussels (Perna viridis) have already above the threshold value, stated by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fishery regulation (Kepmen No.KEP.17/MEN/2004) about sanitation shells system for Indonesian fishery. From the result, it could be predicted that the accumulation of heavy metal load comes from many industries and domestic wastes in Jakarta Bay waters and surrounding, so it is not safe for consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green mussels or Perna viridis have the ability as filter feeder, which makes them very easy to be contaminated due to water pollution by heavy metals, such as lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr). Meanwhile, these mussels are widely consumed by public. This research was a study of depuration, which conducted to learn the heavy metals extrication from these mussels to make the consumption safer by humans. The method used is the method of water flow recirculating with a variation of duration flow (1, 2, 4, and 24 hours) as well as extraction method with a variation of concentrations of acetic acid and citric acid (5; 7,5; 10; 12.5 %), and temperature (30-80 °C). Based on the result obtained, the amount of lead that can be absorbed by green mussels is larger than chromium (Cr) that is 4,402- 20,701 mg/kg from 1 until 3 days of dipping, while chromium is 0.773-7,266 mg/kg. The method of water flow recirculating for 1 hour obtained the optimum result with the decrease of the levels of lead and chromium as much as 67.037 % and 54.899 %. While the optimum extraction method obtained in 10 % of acetic acid at 40 °C with stirring at 120 rpm, resulted in the decrease of lead and chromium as much as 93.335 % and 81.892 %, but this treatment can also causes the decrease of protein level about 41.602 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An marinegastropod mollusk or whelk is well-known Rapana venosa with the common name the veined rapa whelk or Asian rapa whelk. It is a species of large predatory sea snail, in the family Muricidae, the rock shells. This large sea snail has become an invasive species in many different localities around the world. In the area of the Romanian seaside is also found Rapana venosa. Bivalvia is a class of marine and freshwater molluscs that have laterally compressed bodies enclosed by a shell consisting of two hinged parts. Most species of the family live in usually numerous colonies, creating genuine banks at varying depths. In general, they live free or they are set in rocks through byssus. The high content of nutritious biochemical compounds (proteins, sugars, and lipids), to which one can add the presence of vitamins and amino acids, outlines the high nutritious value of midia from the Romanian coast of the Black Sea, but also the possibility of using them for extracting active principles with medical uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dreissenid mussels have changed the fundamental community structure and biogeochemical processes of the Lake Michigan nearshore zone. There is evidence that dreissenids promote the growth of benthic algae and provide habitat and food for other benthic macroinvertebrates. The goal of this project was to further our understanding of the relationship between dreissenids, benthic algae, and benthic macroinvertebrates in the Lake Michigan nearshore zone. This was done by removing the mussels from a 140 m2 area of rocky substrate and subsequently monitoring the response of the benthic community over a one-year period. Measurements included benthic algal biomass, productivity, taxonomic composition, phosphorus content, and stable isotope composition, as well as benthic invertebrate abundance and taxonomic composition. While algal biomass on the mussel-free site remained comparable to that on a control site, algal P content and productivity were significantly lower on the mussel-free site, and there were major differences in algal taxonomic composition between the two sites. Invertebrate abundance was also much lower on the mussel-free site. These findings can be used to explore the effects of any future large scale dreissenid removal efforts on nuisance benthic algae and nearshore food web structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dreissenid mussels impact the attenuation of visible light wavelengths in Lake Michigan by removing seston that scatters and absorbs light. This leads to the hypothesis that expansion of Dreissena may have also affected attenuation of ultraviolet (UV) light. However, few measurements exist of UV light attenuation prior to invasion, so the magnitude of this effect is uncertain. We measured size-fractionated spectral absorptivity of seston and water near Muskegon MI during the 2021 CSMI field year. We normalized the absorbance attributable to particles in each size bin to the concentration of chlorophyll in the same bin, then simulated the effects of changing chlorophyll concentration on the attenuation in UV and visible wavelengths and the photic depth (1% of surface intensity). We found that a 50% decrease in total chlorophyll could increase photic depth by 15 m for PAR wavelengths, 4.1 m for 380 nm UV, and 0.63 m for 310 nm UV. This is attributable to the disproportionate effect of seston on total PAR attenuation compared to UV attenuation. Seston contributed 63% and 37% of total PAR attenuation for seston < 20µm and < 5 µm, respectively, but 20% and 15% of total attenuation at 310 nm. These results support the hypothesis that Dreissena invasion and expansion affected visible light proportionally more than UV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The green mussel (perna viridis) shell waste could be utilized for chitosan production because it contained chitin. Chitin can be derived into chitosan through the deacetylation process. Chitosan is a polysaccharides polymer that is readily soluble in dilute acid solution and easily modified into other useful compounds. This research aimed to study the chitosan production from green mussel shells. This experiment had the following stages, deproteinization process aimed to eliminate the protein content using 1N NaOH solution, demineralization process aimed to remove minerals in green mussel shells as CaCO3 using 1 N HCl solution and decolorization process aimed to eliminate the color pigments and other impurities using ethanol solvent. All process above resulted chitin. Furthermore, chemical modification of chitin into chitosan by deacetylation process. This stage was very important because it greatly affected the chitosan properties. This research studied two different treatment for deacetylation process. The first treatment was the deacetylation process using concentrated NaOH solution (50% w), at high temperatures (90 - 100 °C) for 2 hours extraction, whilw the second treatment was deacetylation process using a low concentration of NaOH solution (15% w), at room temperature for 24 hours. The results showed that deproteinization, demineralization, and decolorizaton was capable of removing protein, mineral, and pigment. This experiment yield chitin 41.6 %wt. Chitosan yield from second treatment was 39.5%w and it was better than first treatment. Chitosan from first treatment had 79.8% degree of deacetylation and 16.5 kDa molecular weight. It was better than first treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the paper is to emphasize the role of Mytilus galloprovincialis (mussel) in the marine ecosystem and economy in the way of sustainable development and exploitation. The paper presents the general biochemical (moisture, mineral and organic substance, protein, lipid and carbohydrate contents) and ecological aspects of mussels from the four areas for the development and exploitation of mollusks in the Romanian coastal area which are designated according to the requirements of implementing the EU legislation in Romania, the EU "Shellfish Waters" Directive No. 2006/113/EC. The biochemical analysis of the soft tissue indicated high organic substance and protein contents, which represent very important elements with economic significance. In 2006, M. galloprovincialis was the dominant species in all areas analyzed, being relatively evenly distributed and represented by young individuals in three of the four areas of shellfish growth, over 60% of individuals having the length below 25 mm. In 2009, in mussels from the sedimentary substrate very young individuals predominated only in area 2 (30%), in areas 3 and 4 their share in the population being very low (5% in area 3 and 2% in area 4). In 2012, the mussels had a uniform distribution along the Romanian coast, so the species recorded the highest abundances and biomasses in the north, an area which in the past used to record the lowest values The population structure showed the predominance of the young individuals. The biomass and abundance are influenced by the low salinity in the northern part of the Romanian Black Sea coast due to the Danube river influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the introduction of zebra mussels to Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland, which were discovered there in November 2005, prompting research into the size of the population and how far it had stretched throughout Lough Neagh. Lough Neagh is the largest freshwater lake in Northern Ireland and is therefore an important area in the eel fishery industry, which is threatened because of the zebra mussels. The spawning of zebra mussels is also considered.

The important role played by alpha radioactive nuclides in the marine radiation environment is already evident. The dominant contribution made by natural fall-out nuclide Polonium-210 to the alpha radioactivity of most marine organisms is very important. The common mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis is selected as unique bio monitor species to be analyzed. Samples are collected at the Adria Sea along the Albanian coast. A radiochemical procedure followed by alpha spectrometry measurement of 210Po is performed. The standard solution of 209Po is used as a yield tracer. Thin sources for alpha spectrometry measurements are prepared by spontaneous deposition of polonium on to silver disks from weakly acid solutions. The value of specific activity of 210Po vary between 200 to 400 Bq/kg dry and are in good agreement with the results found for 210Po in mussels from other countries in the Adria Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the parasites and pathological condition of infected organ of the green mussel Perna viridis from Merambong Shoal, Western Johor Straits, Malaysia. Samples were collected randomly in November and December 2013. Histopathology techniques using Masson’s Trichrome staining protocol were performed and the thin sections were observed under light microscope. Result showed that gonad was the most infected organ followed by the digestive tubule, adductor muscle, intestine and mantle tissue. The parasites (apicomplexa) such as spore-like Nematopsis, macrogamont-like coccidian, mature oocyst-like coccidian, unidentified coccidian and protozoan were found in the adductor muscle, gonad and mantle. Meanwhile, the pathological conditions were found in all infected organs except the gill, such as particular melanin deposits in cytoplasm, Rickettsia-like or Chlamydiae organism and bacteria-like inclusions. Haemocytic infiltrations were found in the surrounding connective tissues of all infected organs. However, these light infections are not causing morbidity and mortalityof the green mussel P.viridis. This study provides baseline information on health profile of the green mussel P.viridis. Further investigations are needed particularly on parasite species identification and their ecology. Understanding of the morphology and pathology of parasites infecting mollusks are very important for management of the resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mussel has evolved a very interesting and efficient way of attaching to hard substrata in wave-swept rocky seashores. This is enabled by a bundle of fine protein based threads called the byssus. The byssus is emerging as an effective model system for studying the requirements for underwater adhesion, wear resistance and combined hardness and extensibility (1, 2). Careful secretion of different mussel foot proteins (mfp) combined with some metal ions (Fe3+, Zn2+ etc.) allows the mussel to tune properties and optimize function of diverse parts of byssus thread (3). Here we report in-situ high-resolution Raman spectroscopic imaging of the byssal coating and plaque showing micron level spatial distribution of various proteins and their interaction with Fe3+ using specific Resonance Raman (RR) spectral features. 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (dopa) is a strong chelator of Fe3+ within a specific pH window (stability constant of [Fe(dopa)3]3- complex can reach values up to Kf∼1045). The charge transfer from the catechol ring to Fe(III) characteristic of such complexes generates absorption bands in whole visible a part of near infra-red spectrum. As a consequence, a characteristic RR signal can be detected using 785 nm laser line. This method was recently utilized to localize Fe-dopa complexation of mfp-1 in the protective cuticles of mussel byssal threads (2), and the same approach was taken here to investigate metal complexation in the plaque. In figure 1A a scanning electron micrograph of a cross section of plaque is presented. Characteristic foam-like morphology of internal part of the plaque is visible. Figure 1B shows the results of Raman spectroscopic imaging (for specifications see reference (2)) on a thin (10 μm) section of the byssus plaque integrated for Fe3+-dopa complexation bands (500–650 cm-1, see Fig. 1D). The components distribution map in Fig. 1C was obtained using the basis analysis and image color combination functions (Witec Project software). In the case of basis analysis, the algorithm fits each spectrum of the multi-graph data object with a linear combination of the basis spectra (tree spectra in figure 1D) using the least squares method. The weighting factors of various components obtained by fitting were stored in an image and combined in a false color bitmap using image color combination function (Fig. 1C). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]