Changes in feeding and excretion rates of bay scallops, Argopectenirradians, when exposed to elevated levels of ammonia in a closedsystem

摘要

Good water quality is crucial to high survival and growth rates of bivalves held in closed or semi-closed rearing systems. As concentrations of nitrogenous waste increase in seawater systems, these compounds can become toxic. In a scallop nursery system, removal and addition of nitrogen can occur through numerous pathways. For example, removal of nitrogen can be attributed to phytoplankton uptake, while the main inputs of nitrogen are often through waste production from the scallops. The atmosphere can also act as an important source or sink of nitrogen depending on a variety of factors, including concentration gradients and mixing. This study was designed to examine the sources and sinks of ammonia in a closed system used to grow bay scallops. The study further examined if high concentrations of ammonia would result in changes to those removal or input factors.