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Physiological response to seawater pH of the bivalve Abra alba, a benthic ecosystem engineer, is modulated by low pH
Vlaminck, E.; Moens, T.; Vanaverbeke, J.; Van Colen, C. (2022). Physiological response to seawater pH of the bivalve Abra alba, a benthic ecosystem engineer, is modulated by low pH. Mar. Environ. Res. 179: 105704. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105704
In: Marine Environmental Research. Applied Science Publishers: Barking. ISSN 0141-1136; e-ISSN 1879-0291
Peer reviewed article  
Available in  Authors 
    Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee: Non-open access 381373 [ request ]
Keywords
    Abra alba (W. Wood, 1802) [WoRMS]; Bivalvia [WoRMS]
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    Ocean acidification; Abra alba; Ecophysiology; Benthos; Condition; Bivalve
Authors  Top 
  • Vlaminck, E.
  • Moens, T.
  • Vanaverbeke, J.
  • Van Colen, C.
Abstract
    The presence and behaviour of bivalves can affect the functioning of seafloor sediments through the irrigation of deeper strata by feeding and respiring through siphonal channels. Here, we investigated the physiological response and consecutive impact on functioning and body condition of the white furrow shell Abra alba in three pH treatments (pH = 8.2, pH = 7.9 and pH = 7.7). Although no pH effect on survival was found, lowered respiration and calcification rates, decreased energy intake (lower absorption rate) and increased metabolic losses (increased excretion rates) occurred at pH ∼ 7.7. These physiological responses resulted in a negative Scope for Growth and a decreased condition index at this pH. This suggests that the physiological changes may not be sufficient to sustain survival in the long term, which would undoubtedly translate into consequences for ecosystem functioning.
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