Russian Scientists Study Mussels' Survival Amid Global Warming
Researchers at the Federal Research Center 'A. O. Kovalevsky Institute of Southern Sea Biology' in Sevastopol have conducted a significant study on the resilience of mussels in the face of climate change. The investigation, supported by the Russian Science Foundation, focuses on how long mussels can survive in water saturated with carbon dioxide, a condition resulting from global warming and ocean acidification. The findings, published in the journal Fish & Shellfish Immunology, are crucial for mariculture enterprises that cultivate mollusks on an industrial scale.
Impact of Ocean Acidification on Marine Life
The study highlights the detrimental effects of rising carbon dioxide levels due to human activities, which not only contribute to global warming but also lead to the acidification of oceans, particularly affecting the Black Sea. Increased acidity poses risks to marine biota, including mollusks. To assess these impacts, scientists collected 270 mussels from a local mariculture farm and acclimatized them to laboratory conditions before exposing them to varying levels of acidity and oxygen.
Experimental Findings and Implications for Mariculture
The experiment divided the mussels into three groups: a control group in favorable conditions and two groups in acidified water with differing oxygen levels. Results revealed that mussels could tolerate acidified conditions for up to six days before experiencing detrimental health effects. Notably, mussels facing both acidification and hypoxia showed a significant decline in the quality of their hemolymph, which is vital for their immune response. This underscores the need for ongoing monitoring of water conditions in both natural habitats and mariculture farms to safeguard mollusk populations against the impacts of climate change.
