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Risk identification associated with iron‐dominated mine discharges and their effect upon freshwater bivalves
Author(s) -
Milam Cristin D.,
Farris Jerry L.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
environmental toxicology and chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.1
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1552-8618
pISSN - 0730-7268
DOI - 10.1002/etc.5620170824
Subject(s) - corbicula fluminea , pimephales promelas , ceriodaphnia dubia , environmental chemistry , mussel , acid mine drainage , environmental science , ecotoxicity , chemistry , ecology , biology , cladocera , fishery , toxicity , minnow , organic chemistry , fish <actinopterygii> , crustacean
The controlled release of a partially treated mine‐water discharge dominated by iron was evaluated for impact on the aquatic community during July and August of 1993 in southeastern Ohio. The discovery of an endangered mussel species, Lampsilis abrupta , prompted further validation of a lowest observable effect concentration for the discharge as it was diluted by the Ohio River. In‐stream monitoring detected no significant postrelease responses among individuals of the surrogate species Quadrula quadrula from sites above and below the release. To evaluate the effects of the mine water on bivalve mollusks, laboratory simulation of the controlled release conditions using artificial streams and 30 daily renewals of mine water revealed that cellulolytic activity of Corbicula fluminea was reduced in mine‐water exposures as low as 1.25% (0.19 mg Fe[II]/L). Recovery was evaluated for 30 d after initial exposure and indicated that specific response thresholds for siphoning and bioconcentration were apparent for the bioavailable form of iron and that enzyme activity for exposed Corbicula could return to prestress conditions. Bivalve responses to this threshold limit for the iron‐dominated mine effluent were compared to other standardized test responses (acute and chronic effects using Daphnia pulex, Ceriodaphnia dubia , and Pimephales promelas ) and resulted in support of criteria for the bioavailable form of iron at 0.37 mg ferrous iron/L.