Title

Sensory determinants of valve rhythm dynamics provide in situ biodetection of copper in aquatic environments.

Authors

Jou, Li-John; Chen, Bo-Ching; Chen, Wei-Yu; Liao, Chung-Min

Abstract

This study successfully applied an improved valvometry technique to measure waterborne copper (Cu), based on valve activity dynamics of the freshwater clam Corbicula fluminea. The improved valvometry technique allows the use of free-range bivalves and avoids causing stresses from experimental artifacts. The proposed daily valve rhythm models and a toxicodynamics-based Hill model were linked to predict valve dynamic responses under different Cu exposures with a circadian valve rhythm endpoint. Cu-specific detection threshold was 5.6 (95 % CI 2.1-9.3) and 19.5 (14.6-24.3) μg L for C. fluminea, based on response times of 300 and 30 min, respectively. Upon exposure to Cu concentrations in excess of 50 μg L, the alteration of valve rhythm behavior was correlated with Cu concentration within 30 min, indicating notable sensing ability. This study outlines the feasibility of an in situ early warning dynamic biomonitoring system for detection of waterborne Cu based on circadian valve activities of C. fluminea.

Subjects

COPPER content of water; CORBICULA fluminea; CORBICULA; FRESH water; WATER quality

Publication

Environmental Science & Pollution Research, 2016, Vol 23, Issue 6, p5374

ISSN

0944-1344

Publication type

Academic Journal

DOI

10.1007/s11356-015-5735-5