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What Pollutes Freshwater Mussels?

Water quality has been a central theme of the environmental movement for many years; water is essential for all forms of life. Shellfish are a key indicator as to water quality because fish and marine mammals have the ability to move and migrate to preferential conditions. This means that mussel, oyster and other shellfish beds have been closely monitored for pollution to give an indication of how well protection measures are being observed.

Petroleum Industry
- A major problem for mussels is the petroleum industry. The activity of setting up drilling rigs, the extraction of the oil and the distribution to ports damage mussel beds physically and pollute the water surrounding them. This is an issue more closely associated with seawater mussels in the North Sea and other areas, but can also have an effect on freshwater varieties when the platforms are positioned closer to the coast.
Shipping
- The main source of carbon pollution in the water is from shipping. Cargo boats, tankers and commercial fishing operations all use diesel-powered engines which produce pollution in the same way as a common car engine would. Mussel beds are a very delicate ecosystem in the same way as coral reefs. Any change in the ambient conditions regarding water quality and temperature instantly has an effect on how well the mussels grow and reproduce.
Garbage
- Freshwater is generally found in rivers, landlocked lakes and other water bodies separated from the ocean. Due to location, freshwater is at much greater risk from general waste produced by humans than saltwater, putting freshwater mussels at a disadvantage. Non-biodegradable items such as plastic bottles, tin cans and glass can all find their way into freshwater systems and mussel beds. For example, tin cans in water will rust, releasing chemicals and toxins into the water, which has a direct consequence on water quality.
Sewerage
- The other threat facing freshwater mussels due to close proximity to humans is sewerage being pumped into rivers and lakes. This not only applies to human waste, but all other waste from factories that finds its way into water systems. Good examples of these are chemicals used in industry, such as ammonia and pesticides, which eventually seep into the water, poisoning mussel beds and other marine animals.
Air Pollution
- It is easy to think water pollution is caused by chemicals and toxins being pumped into rivers and streams, but air pollution also has an effect. Carbon dioxide and other compounds emitted from vehicles and factories initially start as airborne pollutants, but eventually become part of the water cycle. This means the rain, which feeds rivers and lakes, will contain a level of the air pollution as well.

Nature