In: Biology
1) What is the mechanism responsible for the pumping process ?
2) Explain how a filter feeding lifestyle contributes to phenomena such as Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP?
3) What roles can filter feeding bivalves play in the field of ecotoxicology ?
1- The mechanism responsible for pumping process is the bivalve pump which operates on two factors - pressure rise and flow rate.
2- Bivalve shellfish are highly sensitive to water quality of their marine environment. Because they feed by filtering micro organisms from the water . Such micro organisms like bacteria and viruses can produce biotoxin which can buildup in the tissues of the shellfish . When such shellfish is consumed , it can lead to diseases like PSP in humans. Lobsters and crabs feed on such shellfish , hence , such biotoxin can get accumulated in them . When such sea foods are consumed by human ,it can also lead to poisoning.
3- Filter feeding bivalves feed on micro organisms. Hence , the toxins produced by such harmful micro organisms get accoumulated in bivalves . Removing such bivalves from sea will help to remove toxins from the marine body. Hence , it can play a major role in ecotoxicology. These creatures when consumed by humans or other sea organism can cause toxicity in them.