Corbicula fluminea as a Bioaccumulation Indicator Species: A Case Study at the Columbia and Willamette Rivers
Abstract
The freshwater Asiatic Clam, Corbicula fluminea, is found in abundance throughout North America. C. fluminea are primarily considered filter-feeders; however, they routinely bury in the sediment for extended periods and filter interstitial sediment water (pore water) or pedal-feed. C. fluminea shows promise as a model trophic-niche freshwater test organism or as an indicator species for bioaccumulation studies for the assessment of contaminants in sediments as part of dredging, restoration, remediation, and monitoring evaluations. In August and September 2005, 32 nearshore locations were sampled for C. fluminea along the Columbia River from Vista Park near Skamokawa, Washington (River Mile 32) to Warrendale, Oregon (River Mile 147). Four additional samples were collected in the lower Willamette River, near its confluence with the Columbia River (Columbia River Mile 102). Tissue samples were analyzed for semi-volatile compounds (including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PAH); chlorinated pesticides; polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB Aroclors and 209 congeners); polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE; fire retardants); organotins; and four metals (Hg, Pb, Zn, Cd). All clam tissue had detectable levels of many of the chemicals analyzed. Statistical relationships among sampling stations were elucidated using exploratory multivariate statistical techniques. Relative abundances of major constituents were superimposed on regional maps displaying the sampling stations. A mid-reach point source for PCBs was identified, as were localized areas of DDTs, PBDEs, and PAHs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA507673
Entities
People
- Donna B. Ebner
- Gary Ray
- Jeffery A. Steevens
- Joan Clarke
- Mark D. Siipola
- Ruth A. Abney
- Timothy J. Sherman
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center