The Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) is a mollusk species native to Europe that was introduced to the Great Lakes via the ballast water of shipping vessels. They were discovered in Lake St. Clair in June 1988. The Zebra Mussel is responsible for upsetting the aquatic food chain in many lakes and rivers as well clogging industrial water pipes. This study investigates whether Zebra Mussels can be used to remove dissolved lead as lead Nitrate from the water column. Live Zebra Mussel samples were exposed to lead solutions of .8l2ppb, 8.l2ppb and 81 .2ppb. Samples were collected from each solution after 1 day, 4 days and 7 days. The sample testing was conducted using the Princeton Applied Research EG&G 348B Polarographic Analyzer. The method of testing used was Square Wave Anodic Stripping Voltametry. The machine responses were analyzed to determine the change in lead concentration with temporal and exposure concentration changes. The concentrations of lead in each sample were calculated in mg of lead/gram of wet mussel weight. It was found that Zebra Mussels do accumulate lead from solution over time. It was further found that there is a general trend toward higher concentrations of lead in the Zebra Mussels at higher solution concentration and with longer exposure time. Metal ions other than lead were also detected by the polarograph. The accumulation of lead during the study and the presence of other metal ions suggest that Dreissena polymorpha accumulates metals well and could potentially be used for bioremediation purposes.

Selected Sources:

1) Kraak, M.H.S., Toussaint, M., Lavy, D., and Davids,C. (1993). Filtration rate as a Parameter for Determining the Effects of Heavy Metals on the Zebra Mussel Dreissena polymorpha. Environmental Pollution

2) Camusso, M. Balestrini, R., Muriano, F., Mariani, M., (1994) Use of Freshwater Mussel Dreissena ploymorpha To Assess Trace Metal Pollution In the Lower River Po (Italy). Chemos~here

3) Kraak, M.H.S., Wink, Y.A., Stuijfzand, S.C., Bucker-de Jong, M.C.,

Groot, C.J., Admiraal, W., Chronic Ecotoxicity of Zn and Pb to the Zebra Mussel (Dreissenapolymorpha). Aquatic Toxicology