The Freshwater Clam (Elliptio Complanata), A Practical Tool for Monitoring Water Quality

1 February 1978

journal article
Published by IWA Publishing in Water Quality Research Journal

Vol. 13 (1) , 45-52
https://doi.org/10.2166/wqrj.1978.005

Abstract

Freshwater clams (Elliptio complanata) from Balsam Lake were placed in cages in the Humber and Moira Rivers in southern Ontario. Clams were exposed from 4 to 6 weeks and analyzed for organic trace contaminants (pesticides and PCB's). Humber River clams accumulated significant levels of PCB's (polychlori-nated biphenyls), EDDT (total l,l,l-trichloro-2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl) ethane), dieldrin, alpha- and gamma- chlordane after 8 days. Only PCBs and Zddt were accumulated in Moira River clams. Caged clams proved practical for detecting organic trace contaminants in water after a short exposure period. The advantages of using clams over fish and water samples for bio-monitoring are discussed as well as the practical considerations to further enhance the usefulness of this organism.

Keywords

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