Effects of the benthic suspension feeder Dreissena polymorpha on zooplankton in a large river

Authors: Jack, Jeffrey D.¹; Thorp, James H.²

Source: Freshwater Biology, Volume 44, Number 4, August 2000 , pp. 569-579(11)

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Abstract:

1. We conducted a series of in situ enclosure experiments to assess the impact of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) on the plankton of the Ohio River. Adult mussels were suspended in pelagic enclosures (`potamocorrals') at three densities (0, 1000, 2500 mussels per corral) and incubated for 6 days with daily plankton and physiochemical sampling. <br />2. The presence of adult zebra mussels was correlated with a shift in composition of the phytoplankton community and a severe reduction in some rotifers. The effects of zebra mussels on the larger zooplankton were taxon-dependent, but bacterial density showed no trend among treatments. <br />3. Zebra mussels may have significant negative impacts on zooplankton, which may in turn alter riverine food webs.

Keywords: exotic species; Ohio River; potamoplankton; zebra mussels; zooplankton

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2427.2000.00609.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Biology and Center for Watershed Research, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, U.S.A. 2: School of Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5800, U.S.A.

Publication date: 2000-08-01