The Effects of Mercury Exposure on the Surface Morphology of Gill Filaments in Perna perna (Mollusca: Bivalvia)

摘要

This study investigated the possibility that changes in the surface morphology of mussel (Perna perna) gill filaments may be used to indicate the relative toxicity of pollutants in the marine environment. Healthy, adult P. perna were collected and immersed in 2 free-flow tanks. Mercury was added to seawater as it entered tank 1 to achieve a con- stant level of 50 μg/l~-1 over 24 days. Uncontaminated seawater was circulated over the mussels in tank 2 (con- trol) for the same period. A 25 mm~2 area of gil filament was removed form each of the 5 specimens before and after 24 days immersion in tank 2, and after immersion for 1,2,4,8, 16 and 24 days in tank 1.