Freshwater Asian Clam 'Corbicula fluminea' as a Factor Affecting Nutrient Cycling in the Chowan River, N.C.

摘要

The Asian clam Corbicula fluminea has recently invaded the Chowan River and reached stable population densities(200/m2) in the northern part of the river and major tributaries. Benthic organisms such as Corbicula can affect nutrient cycling in the river by such means as burrowing, sediment reworking, and excretion. This study was conducted to evaluate the importance of the clam as a source of recycled nutrients which can contribute to the growth of nuisance blue-green algae, and to determine whether Corbicula is able to utilize blue-green algae as a food source. This work determined that, unlike many organisms, Corbicula assimilated blue-green algae (Anabaena) more efficiently than it did green algae (Chlorella and Scenedesmus). It also determined that Corbicula is able to rapidly recycle nutrients (NH4 and PO4), important for algal growth.