ACUTE TOXICITY OF METHANOL TO MYTILUS-EDULIS

Methanol is being promoted as an alternative fuel because of the clean air benefits of reduced carbon monoxide and other by-product emission s. In the event of an accidental spill or leakage from a storage tank, there is limited data available on the impact of alternative fuels on marine ecosystems. Before considering the impact of methanol on ecosy stem processes, it is necessary to establish the acute toxicity. The b lue mussel (Mytilus edulis) was selected for study because of its use as an indicator species of marine ecosystem health (Widdows and Donkin 1992). Our primary objective was to determine the LC-50 value of meth anol to adult Mytilus edulis. We also note sublethal effects that were observed during the course of the 96-hr exposure.