Utilization of refractory cellulosic carbon derived from Spartina alterniflora by the ribbed mussel Geukensia demissa

Abstract

The ab~lity of the ribbed mussel Geukensia demissa (Dillwyn) to ingest and absorb refractory lignocellulosic carbon was evaluated using 14C-radiotracer techniques. Mussels were maintained in a simulated tidal cycle of 6 h submergence and 6 h exposure and were fed on [14C]lignocellulose during the first submergence period. The mean (f SD) absorption efficiency for 14C was 13.3 + 2.5 % in an experiment performed in January 1985, and 14.2 f 1.6 % in a second experiment conducted in March 1985. Approximately 29 % of absorbed I4C was respired and 31 % incorporated into the proteidlipid fraction of the mussel. Mean (k SDI cellulose concentration in seston samples collected in the summer from a small creek dralmng a Delaware salt marsh was 66 + 28 pg I-'. It was estimated that adult ribbed mussels in this marsh could obtain 15 % of their total carbon requirements in the summer by utilization of refractory cellulosic material.