The effects of lipophilic organic contaminants on reproductive physiology and disease processes in marine bivalve molluscs

Marine bivalve molluscs such as the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) and the so ft shell clam (Mya arenaria) have been used as sentinel organisms of contam inant bioavailability and the biological consequences of contaminant exposu re. Biological responses that may contribute to the impairment of reproduct ive and developmental processes include responses that can be categorized a s interfering with bioenergetic processes such as feeding and nutrient allo cation; biosynthetic processes, such as the synthesis of energy stores; and morphogenic processes, such as those involved in structural development. C ase studies within New Bedford and Boston Harbors (Massachusetts) are used to examine the relationship between contaminant uptake and effects on the r eproductive cycle and bioenergetics of mussels and soft shell clams. The re sults observed illustrate that disruption in bioenergetics in bivalve mollu scs exposed to chemical contaminants can result in loss of reproductive out put and increased susceptibility to disease. Differences in the extent of r eproductive impairment may be linked specifically to energetic strategies o f individual species.