Copper uptake, patterns of bioaccumulation, and effects in glochidia (larvae) of the freshwater mussel (Lampsilis cardium)

The early life stages of freshwater mussels are particularly sensitive to copper (Cu) contamination. We measured the acute toxicity, bioaccumulation, and sublethal effects of Cu in glochidia. In addition, we used radiolabeled Cu (⁶⁴ Cu) to examine the time-dependent kinetics of uptake over 24 h. Uptake of ⁶⁴ Cu by live and dead glochidia exposed to 0.11 μmol/L exhibited similar hyperbolic patterns over the first 40 min, indicating an adsorptive …