Hydroacoustic mapping for native freshwater mussel and host fish habitats using Quadrula fragosa and Ictalurus punctatus as a case study
No abstract available.
Minnesota, Wisconsin↗
Geology topics
Diane L. Waller
Publications and source records attributed to Diane L. Waller.
Freshwater mussels show elevated viral richness and intensity during a mortality event
Freshwater mussels (Unionida) are among the world’s most imperiled taxa, but the relationship between freshwater mussel mortality events and infectious disease is largely unstudied. We surveyed viromes of a widespread and abundant species (mucket, Actinonaias ligamentina ; syn: Ortmanniana ligamentina ) experiencing a mortality event of unknown etiology in the Huron River, Michigan, in 2019–2020 and compared them to viromes from mucket in a healthy population in the St. Croix River, Wisconsin and a population from the Clinch River, Virginia and Tennessee, where a mortality event was affecting the congeneric pheasantshell ( Actinonaias pectorosa ; syn: Ortmanniana pectorosa ) population. We identified 38 viruses, most of which were associated with mussels collected during the Huron River mortality event. Viral richness and cumulative viral read depths were significantly higher in moribund mussels from the Huron River than in healthy controls from each of the three populations. Our results demonstrate significant increases in the number and intensity of viral infections for freshwater mussels experiencing mortality events, whereas individuals from healthy populations have a substantially reduced virome comprising a limited number of species at low viral read depths.
Michigan, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin↗
A novel gonadotropic microsporidian parasite (Microsporidium clinchi n. sp.) infecting a declining population of pheasantshell mussels (Actinonaias pectorosa) (Unioinidae) from the Clinch River, USA
Freshwater mussels of the order Unionida are among the most endangered animal groups globally, but the causes of their population decline are often enigmatic, with little known about the role of disease. In 2018, we collected wild adult pheasantshell ( Actinonaias pectorosa ) and mucket ( Actinonaias ligamentina ) during an epidemiologic survey investigating an ongoing mussel mass mortality event in the Clinch River, Virginia and Tennessee, USA. Histopathology and transmission electron microscopy showed a novel microsporidian parasite primarily infecting the ovary of pheasantshell. Sequencing of the small subunit rRNA gene produced a 1333 bp sequence with the greatest similarity to Pseudonosema cristatellae (AF484694.1; 86.36%; e-value = 0), a microsporidium infecting the freshwater bryozoan ( Cristatella mucedo ). Microsporidia were observed in 65% (17/26) of the examined female pheasantshell ( A. pectorosa ) and in no (0/2) female muckets ( A. ligamentina ) and occurred at mortality and non-mortality sites. Our findings indicate that a novel parasite, Microsporidium clinchi n. sp., is present in pheasantshell in the Clinch River, and while likely not a cause of mass mortality, could reduce fecundity and recruitment in this declining population and threaten the success of reintroductions. Surveillance of M. clinchi n. sp. and evaluation of broodstock and their progeny for microsporidia would therefore be prudent.
Tennessee, Virginia↗
Mussel mass mortality and the microbiome: Evidence for shifts in the bacterial microbiome of a declining freshwater bivalve
Freshwater mussels (Unionida) are suffering mass mortality events worldwide, but the causes remain enigmatic. Here, we describe an analysis of bacterial loads, community structure, and inferred metabolic pathways in the hemolymph of pheasantshells ( Actinonaias pectorosa ) from the Clinch River, USA, during a multi-year mass mortality event. Bacterial loads were approximately 2 logs higher in moribund mussels (cases) than in apparently healthy mussels (controls). Bacterial communities also differed between cases and controls, with fewer sequence variants (SVs) and higher relative abundances of the proteobacteria Yokenella regensburgei and Aeromonas salmonicida in cases than in controls. Inferred bacterial metabolic pathways demonstrated a predominance of degradation, utilization, and assimilation pathways in cases and a predominance of biosynthesis pathways in controls. Only two SVs correlated with Clinch densovirus 1, a virus previously shown to be strongly associated with mortality in this system: Deinococcota and Actinobacteriota, which were associated with densovirus-positive and densovirus-negative mussels, respectively. Overall, our results suggest that bacterial invasion and shifts in the bacterial microbiome during unionid mass mortality events may result from primary insults such as viral infection or environmental stressors. If so, bacterial communities in mussel hemolymph may be sensitive, if generalized, indicators of declining mussel health.
Tennessee, Virginia↗
Concentration addition and independent action assessments of the binary mixtures of four toxicants on zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) mortality
Researchers most often focus on individual toxicants when identifying effective chemical control agents for aquatic invasive species; however, toxicant mixtures may elicit synergistic effects. Synergistic effects may decrease required concentrations and shorten exposure durations for treatments. We investigated four toxicants (EarthTec QZ, Clam-Trol CT-2, niclosamide, and potassium chloride) that have been considered to control invasive zebra mussels ( Dreissena polymorpha Pallas, 1771). We determined the toxicity of binary mixtures for five different mixture ratios to adult mussels. We compared our observations to predictions made with concentration addition and independent action paradigms, as based on the dose-response relationships of each individual toxicant. We calculated the model deviation ratio for each combination at the LC 50 and LC 90 and identified three possible interactions: synergy, antagonism, and additivity. We found that mixtures of niclosamide and Clam-Trol CT-2 were the most synergistic while mixtures that included potassium chloride were largely additive to antagonistic. The use of synergistic combinations has potential to decrease the overall volume and concentration of individual toxicants required for dreissenid mussel treatments, thereby decreasing cost.
Aquatic Toxicology↗
Use of carbon dioxide to prevent zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) settlement and effects on native mussels (Order Unionoida) and benthic communities
We determined the efficacy of carbon dioxide (CO2) for preventing larval (veliger) settlement of the invasive zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) and compared the response of native juvenile mussels and macroinvertebrate and periphyton communities to hypercapnia. A microcosm system of control (ambient Camb) and CO2 treatments [low PCO2 (Clow)=35,094 µatm, and high PCO2 (Chigh)=66,685 µatm)] was supplied with river water for 11 weeks. We measured zebra mussel settlement, juvenile native mussel (Lampsilis cardium and L. siliquoidea) growth and condition, and macroinvertebrate and periphyton community composition. Zebra mussels settled in all Camb tanks (n=4) from early July through August compared to one mussel in a CO2 treatment tank over the same period. Native mussel growth, tissue condition, and shell condition were reduced in CO2, particularly in the highest treatment. Benthic biomass (excluding zebra mussels) was similar in Camb and Clow but was reduced in Chigh. Macroinvertebrate community composition differed among treatments due to greater abundance of Chironomidae in Clow and Oligochaeata in Chigh. Periphyton abundance and richness increased in both CO2 treatments and was driven by increases in Cyanobacteria, Bacillariophyta and Chlorophyta. Our results indicate that efficacious levels of CO2 (~35,000 µatm PCO2) for reducing biofouling by dreissenids are tolerable to most freshwater benthic taxa. Chronic elevated CO2 infusion (>35,000 µatm PCO2) may reduce native mussel growth and condition and alter benthic invertebrate and periphyton community composition. Further refinement of CO2 application strategies is needed to determine minimal effective dose and duration to prevent dreissenid settlement and minimize effects on nontarget organisms.
Management of Biological Invasions↗
Mass mortality in freshwater mussels (Actinonaias pectorosa) in the Clinch River, USA, linked to a novel densovirus
Freshwater mussels (order Unionida) are among the world’s most biodiverse but imperiled taxa. Recent unionid mass mortality events around the world threaten ecosystem services such as water filtration, nutrient cycling, habitat stabilization, and food web enhancement, but causes have remained elusive. To examine potential infectious causes of these declines, we studied mussels in Clinch River, Virginia and Tennessee, USA, where the endemic and once-predominant pheasantshell ( Actinonaias pectorosa ) has suffered precipitous declines since approximately 2016. Using metagenomics, we identified 17 novel viruses in Clinch River pheasantshells. However, only one virus, a novel densovirus ( Parvoviridae ; Densovirinae ), was epidemiologically linked to morbidity. Clinch densovirus 1 was 11.2 times more likely to be found in cases (moribund mussels) than controls (apparently healthy mussels from the same or matched sites), and cases had 2.7 (log 10 ) times higher viral loads than controls. Densoviruses cause lethal epidemic disease in invertebrates, including shrimp, cockroaches, crickets, moths, crayfish, and sea stars. Viral infection warrants consideration as a factor in unionid mass mortality events either as a direct cause, an indirect consequence of physiological compromise, or a factor interacting with other biological and ecological stressors to precipitate mortality.
Virginia, Tennessee↗
Toxicity of carbon dioxide to freshwater fishes: Implications for aquatic invasive species management
Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) has been approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency as a new aquatic pesticide to control invasive Asian carps and other aquatic nuisance species in the United States. However, limited CO 2 toxicity data could make it challenging for resource managers to characterize the potential risk to nontarget species during CO 2 applications. The present study quantified the toxicity of CO 2 to 2 native riverine fishes, bluegill ( Lepomis macrochirus ) and fathead minnow ( Pimephales promelas ), using 12‐h continuous flow‐through CO 2 exposure at 5, 15, and 25 °C water temperatures. Resulting survival indicated that bluegill (median lethal concentration [LC50] range 91–140 mg/L CO 2 ) were more sensitive to CO 2 than fathead minnow (LC50 range 235–306 mg/L CO 2 ) across all water temperatures. Bluegill were also more sensitive to CO 2 at 5 °C (LC50 91 mg/L CO 2 , 95% CI 85–96 mg/L CO 2 ) than at 25 °C (LC50 140 mg/L CO 2 , 95% CI 135–146 mg/L CO 2 ). Fathead minnow showed an opposite response and were less sensitive at 5 °C (LC50 306 mg/L CO 2 , 95% CI 286–327 mg/L CO 2 ) relative to 25 °C (LC50 235 mg/L CO 2 , 95% CI 224–246 mg/L CO 2 ). Our results show that CO 2 toxicity can differ by species and water temperature. Data from the present study may inform decisions related to the use of CO 2 as a control tool. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2247–2255. Published 2020. This article is a U.S. government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (ET&C)↗
Temperature‐related responses of an invasive mussel and 2 unionid mussels to elevated carbon dioxide
Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) have exacerbated the decline of native freshwater mussels (Order Unionida) in North America since their arrival in the 1980s. Options for controlling invasive mussels, particularly in unionid mussel habitats, are limited. Previously, carbon dioxide (CO2) showed selective toxicity for zebra mussels, relative to unionids, when applied in cool water (12 °C). We first determined 96 h lethal concentrations of CO2 at 5 and 20 °C to zebra mussels and responses of juvenile plain pocketbook (Lampsilis cardium). Next, we compared the time to lethality for zebra mussels at 5, 12, and 20 °C during exposure to partial pressure of CO2 (PCO2) 110¬–120 atmospheres (atm; 1 atm = 101.325 kPa) and responses of juvenile plain pocketbook and fragile papershell (Leptodea fragilis). We found efficacious CO2 treatment regimens at each temperature that were minimally lethal to unionids. At 5 °C, plain pocketbook survived 96 h exposure to the highest PCO2 treatment (139 atm). At 20 °C, the 96 h LC10 (lethal concentration to 10% of animals) for plain pocketbook [173 atm PCO2, 95% confidence interval (CL) 147–198 atm] was higher than the LC99 for zebra mussels (118 atm PCO2, CL 109–127 atm). Lethal time to 99% mortality (LT99) of zebra mussels in 110 to 120 atm PCO2 ranged from 100 h at 20 °C to 300 h at 5 °C. Mean survival of juvenile unionids exceeded 85% in LT99 CO2 treatments at all temperatures. Short-term infusion of 100 to 200 atm PCO2 at a range of water temperatures could reduce biofouling by zebra mussels with limited adverse effects on unionid mussels.
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry↗
Using environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect the endangered Spectaclecase Mussel ( Margaritifera monodonta )
Margaritifera monodonta , or the Spectaclecase Mussel, is a federally endangered freshwater mussel species that has experienced a 55% reduction in range and is currently concentrated in 3 rivers in the Midwest region of the United States (Gasconade and Meramec rivers, Missouri, and St Croix River, Wisconsin). The detection of new populations by traditional survey methods has been limited because these mussels tend to occur under large rocks and boulders. Environmental DNA (eDNA) technology has been used to detect invasive and rare species, but its use for detection of rare, benthic-dwelling species in large flowing systems has been limited. Here, we propose using eDNA to assess known populations of M. monodonta . We designed a M. monodonta -specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay and tested it using water samples from multiple M. monodonta housing tanks, water samples from 2 known mussel beds on the St Croix River, and water samples from 3 known mussel beds on the Mississippi River. We observed higher overall eDNA detection rates on the St Croix River (30.2%) compared to the upper Mississippi River (0.60%). We also observed higher eDNA detection rates (73.3–93.1%) in 2018 for samples collected during the larval release period in May compared to samples collected in August after the reproductive period had ended (55.6–70.8%) on the St Croix River. We tested samples collected at 3 distances downstream from the 2 mussel beds found in the St Croix River, but we did not observe a substantial effect of distance on our detection rates. However, we did observe greater detection rates for samples collected near the bottom compared to at the surface. Our results indicate that this novel qPCR assay can successfully detect M. monodonta eDNA and could be used to rapidly screen locations to guide intensive physical searches for populations in riverine systems.
Wisconsin, Missouri↗
Assessment of uncontained Zequanox applications for zebra mussel control in a Midwestern lake
Zebra mussels ( Dreissena polymorpha ) are invasive bivalves that have perturbed aquatic ecosystems within North America since their introduction in the mid-1980s. Control of zebra mussels has largely been restricted to raw water conveyance systems and associated infrastructures because few control products are registered for application in surface waters. The biopesticide Zequanox was registered in 2014 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for controlling dreissenid mussels (zebra and quagga mussels ( Dreissena rostriformis bugensis ) in surface waters. Previous Zequanox applications in surface waters have used vertical impermeable-membrane barriers to contain treated water. Studies have indicated that uncontained applications may be successful if Zequanox suspensions of the correct viscosity are applied to facilitate the creation of stratified benthic treatment layer. In this study, Zequanox was applied to replicate 0.30-hectare plots within a small inland lake using a custom-engineered, boat-mounted application system to determine if uncontained Zequanox applications could be used to manage zebra mussel populations and to protect native unionid mussels within zebra mussel infested waters. To determine success, the following specific objectives were investigated during, 30 days after, and/or 1 year after Zequanox exposure: (1) evaluate Zequanox concentrations during exposure; (2) monitor water quality during and after exposure; (3) evaluate the mortality of zebra mussels that were caged within treatment zones during the exposures; (4) evaluate the densities of naturally occurring zebra mussels with treatment zones before and after Zequanox exposure; and (5) evaluate the survival, condition, and dreissenid infestation of native mussels in the treatment zones before and after Zequanox exposure. Zequanox rapidly dissipated from the treated plots, resulting in no appreciable treatment-related mortality of zebra mussels and insignificant impacts to water quality. Zequanox exposure-related impacts to native mussels were not observed.
Michigan↗
Lethal and sublethal responses of native mussels (Unionidae: Lampsilis siliquoidea and Lampsilis higginsii) to elevated carbon dioxide
Levels of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) that have been proposed for aquatic invasive species control (24 000 – 96 000 μatm partial pressure of CO 2 ( P CO 2 ); 1 atm = 101.325 kPa) were tested on two juvenile mussels, the fatmucket ( Lampsilis siliquoidea ) and the US federally endangered Higgins’ eye ( Lampsilis higginsii ). A suite of responses (survival, growth, behavior, and gene expression) were measured after 28 days of exposure to CO 2 and 14 days postexposure. The 28-day LC 20 (concentration lethal to 20% of organisms) was lower for L. higginsii (31 800 μatm P CO 2 , 95% confidence interval (CI) 15 000 – 42 800 μatm) than for L. siliquoidea (58 200 μatm P CO 2 , 95% CI 45 200 – 68 100 μatm). Treatment-related reductions occurred in all measures of growth and condition. Expression of chitin synthase, key for shell formation, was downregulated at 28 days of exposure. Carbon dioxide caused narcotization and movement to the substrate surface of mussels, behaviors that could increase mortality by predation and displacement. We conclude that survival and growth of juvenile mussels could be reduced by continuous exposure to elevated CO 2 , but recovery may be possible with shorter-duration exposure.
Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences↗
The status of mussel health assessment and a path forward
Declines of freshwater mussel (order Unionida) populations worldwide are attributed to habitat degradation, pollution, and invasive species, among other factors. However, these purported causes do not fully explain the enigmatic decline and large-scale die-offs of mussels that have occurred in assumedly “healthy” streams across a wide geographic region. The roles of the microbiota and pathogens in mussel health has been understudied, and, as a result, few references exist to compare the microbiota of healthy mussels to that of stressed or dying mussels. Captive propagation and stocking programs have expanded across the globe without standard diagnostic protocols to assess health or potential diseases in hatchery-reared or wild stocks. Introduction of nonindigenous species, contaminants of emerging concern and anthropogenic climate change could adversely alter underlying variables that support mussel health such as nutrient and microbial composition, in addition to increased risk for outbreaks of opportunistic disease and emergent diseases in freshwater mussel populations. We suggest a coordinated, collaborative, and multidisciplinary effort to advance methods for assessing freshwater mussel health. We identify research and resources needed to answer central questions surrounding mussel health including identifying potential agents of disease, defining clinical signs of declining condition, refining stress-specific biomarkers for health assessment, and developing protocols specific for mussels.
Freshwater Mollusk Biology and Conservation↗
A comparison of bacteria cultured from unionid mussel hemolymph between stable populations in the upper Mississippi River and a mortality event in the Clinch River
The diagnosis of bacterial disease in freshwater unionid mussels has been hindered by a lack of baseline information regarding the microbial communities associated with these animals. In this study, we cultured and identified bacteria from the hemolymph of stable mussel populations from the upper Mississippi River basin and compared results to those from mussel populations experiencing a mortality event in the Clinch River, VA and TN. Several bacterial genera were consistently identified across mussel species and locations, appearing to be part of the natural bacterial flora. One noteworthy bacterial species was identified from the Clinch River: Yokenella regensbergei. Y.regensbergei occurred in relatively high prevalence during the mortality event but was absent from samples acquired after the mortality event. Its role, if any, in the mortality event is unknown but deserves further investigation. We suggest that future studies of freshwater mussel health incorporate hemolymph as a sample type due to its relative separation from the aquatic environment, its role in the circulatory system and the fact that it can be collected nonlethally.
Mississippi River basin↗
A novel picorna-like virus in a Wabash Pigtoe (Fusconaia flava) from the upper Mississippi River, USA
Unionid mussels are threatened by multiple environmental stressors and have experienced mass mortality events over the last several decades, but the role of infectious disease in unionid health and population declines remains poorly understood. Although several microbial agents have been found in unionids, to date only one virus has been documented—Lea plague virus ( Arenaviridae ) in propagated Triangle Shell mussels ( Hyriopsis cumingii ) in China. We used next-generation DNA sequencing to screen hemolymph of seven individuals of five unionid species from the Upper Mississippi River basin, USA for viruses. We identified the complete polyprotein gene of a novel picornalike virus in one individual of the Wabash Pigtoe ( Fusconaia flava ). The virus is a member of the Nora virus clade of picornalike viruses and is most closely related to viruses from arthropods in China. We did not detect viruses in another Wabash Pigtoe or in animals of the other four species. It is premature to make inferences about the role of this virus in the health of Wabash Pigtoes or other unionid species or the origin or transmission of this virus. Nevertheless, to our knowledge, our results represent the first report of a virus in wild North American unionids. Technologies based on next-generation DNA sequencing should prove useful for identifying new viruses and investigating their role in unionid health and disease.
Minnesota, Wisconsin↗
Use of carbon dioxide in zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) control and safety to a native freshwater mussel (Fatmucket, Lampsilis siliquoidea)
Control technology for dreissenid mussels ( Dreissena polymorpha and D. bugensis ) currently relies heavily on chemical molluscicides that can be both costly and ecologically harmful. There is a need for more environmentally neutral tools to manage dreissenid mussels, particularly in cooler water. Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) has been shown to be lethal to several species of invasive bivalves, including zebra mussels and Asian clams ( Corbicula fluminea ). We evaluated the effectiveness of unpressurized infusion of CO 2 for 24 to 96 h (100 000–300 000 µatm PCO 2 ) at a water temperature of 12 °C on mortality, byssal thread formation, and attachment of zebra mussels. The safety of elevated CO 2 to a nontarget native freshwater mussel (Fatmucket, Lampsilis siliquoidea ) was also determined. Elevated PCO 2 exposure induced narcotization and reduced attachment of zebra mussels within 24 h. Mortality increased with exposure duration and PCO 2 . An estimated LT50 (lethal time to produce 50% mortality) for fixed PCO 2 ranged from 24 h at 275 000 µatm to ~ 96 h at 100 000 µatm. Exposure of zebra mussels to CO 2 for 96 h caused 80–100% mortality at all treatment levels. Fatmucket juveniles survived all PCO 2 treatments but burial and byssal thread production were adversely affected during exposure. Our results demonstrate that CO 2 is a viable option for management of zebra mussels in cool water and may have less adverse effect for native lampsiline mussels than current-use molluscicides.
Management of Biological Invasions↗
Building a response network to investigate potential pathogens associated with unionid mortality events
Unexplained mortality events have confounded the mussel conservation community for over 30 years. While the effects of chemical pollutants and environmental factors have been examined, few investigations have focused on the identification of potential mussel pathogens. Consequently, very little is known regarding the impact that pathogens have on freshwater mussel health, especially as they pertain to propagation efforts. There are several barriers that have hindered progress in the study of freshwater mussel disease, one of which is lack of appropriate diagnostic tools, and another is lack of guidance for field personnel regarding sampling procedures and laboratory contacts.
Ellipsaria↗
Effects of the biopesticide Zequanox® on reproduction and early development of the fathead minnow ( Pimephales promelas )
The biopesticide, Zequanox®, is registered for dreissenid mussel control in open water systems in the United States. Previous toxicity trials with nontarget organisms, including several young-of-the-year fish species and invertebrates, demonstrated selectivity of Zequanox for dreissenid mussels, but data are lacking on the treatment-related effects on reproduction and early life stage development of fish. The present study evaluated the effects of Zequanox on spawning and early life stages of the fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas , after exposure to the maximum approved concentration [100 mg active ingredient (AI)/L] and exposure duration (8h) for open water application. The results showed no significant treatment-related effect of Zequanox on survival, condition, or cumulative egg production (21 d) in adult fathead minnow. Eggs (≤24 h old) exposed to Zequanox developed to the eyed-stage at a similar rate to that of untreated eggs. Additionally, Zequanox did not have a significant effect on survival and growth (90 d) of newly hatched larvae (≤24-h old). Zequanox may be an option for control of dreissenid mussels in localized open water habitats where concerns exist regarding reproduction and recruitment of cyprinids and related species.
Management of Biological Invasions↗