Bioaccumulation of toxicants, element and nutrient composition, and soft tissue histology of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) from New York State waters

Abstract

Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) were collected from three rivers and three lakes in New York State and analyzed for toxic and nutrient elements, amino acids and vitamins. The concentration of Cd and Se in soft tissues was generally high. Calcium comprised 40% by weight of the shell. Polychlorinated biphenyls were markedly higher in soft tissues of zebra mussels from the Hudson River than the other waters. Mussel soft tissues from only two waters showed detectable levels of p,p′-DDE. Significant histologic lesions or infectious agents were not observed in soft tissues.