Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

PC19 Benthic Processes and Ecology

Date: Thursday, February 15, 2001

Location: Southwest Hall

Kirkland, R, S, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, USA, bobkirkland@msn.com

Jack, J, D, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA, jeff.jack@louisville.edu

ACTINONAIAS LIGAMENTINA AS A BIOMONITOR IN THE GREEN RIVER, KENTUCKY, USA: A NEW APPROACH FOR ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

Biomonitoring has become an important component in bioassessment programs. It is used to maintain high water quality standards by determining contaminant levels and biological affects. The objectives of this research were: 1) to improve and apply certain modern biomonitoring techniques, and 2) to locate possible contaminant sources affecting the flora and fauna of the Green River, and indirectly of Mammoth Cave. Actinonaias ligamentina, a freshwater mussel, was used for interpretation of these impacts as well as refinement of biomonitoring techniques. The mussels were collected in the Green River upstream from the Mammoth Cave System, and from Haynes Shell Midden (dating 4000–6000 ybp) 45 miles downstream. Analysis of the shell nacre of these mussels, and the soft tissue of the recently collected specimens, indicated high tissue concentrations of organochloride pesticides, significant concentrations of Mercury, Nickel and Zinc (with Mercury and Silver concentrations highest at the impact site), and numerous shell nacre stains. These results signified intensive agriculture in the region and contamination from local industries, and demonstrated the importance of the nacreous shell to biomonitoring programs.

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Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

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