A group of scientists is conducting research on mussels in the Grand River in Brantford, Ontario, to gain insights into the impact of various chemicals on the environment. Patty Gillis, a research scientist at Environment and Climate Change Canada, and her team at the Canada Centre for Inland Waters in Burlington, Ontario, are focusing on studying aquatic contaminants using native freshwater mussels as indicators of water quality.
The mussels, known for their stationary nature, reside in sediment and filter water through their gills, making them susceptible to contaminants from the water and riverbed. By examining a piece of the mussels’ tissue, researchers like Gillis can quantify the effects of substances like metals or pharmaceuticals found in the river that may be compromising the mussels’ health.
The team is specifically investigating the impact of individual chemicals and chemical mixtures on different mussel species by assessing their population, analyzing stress factors, and testing their bodies for metals and chemicals. This study is part of a broader initiative called the Integrated Chemical Mixtures Project (ICMP), which is being carried out in Brantford and Windsor, Ontario, to understand the effects of chemical contaminants on the environment.
Mark Hewitt, a chemist from Burlington involved in the ICMP project, emphasizes the importance of understanding complex chemical mixtures and their potential implications for Canadians. The project aims to shed light on the less-known aspects of these mixtures, comparing findings across different research teams to assess the extent of chemical concentrations in various species.
The research in Brantford involves a multidisciplinary team setting up a mobile lab near the river to collect samples from mussels. Through various techniques like dissecting mussels and analyzing their tissues, the team aims to assess the health of the river ecosystem and determine the presence of contaminants. The project also involves studying the river’s flow, water acidity, and the ecosystem composition to provide a comprehensive understanding of the environment.
Looking ahead, the team plans to conduct further experiments by placing mussels in different zones of the river, including areas near a wastewater treatment plant and an industrial site producing gypsum. These experiments aim to track how quickly mussels are impacted by stress and chemical accumulation, while also considering the responses of other aquatic species like fish, shrimp, and snails to chemical exposure.
The ultimate goal of this ongoing research is to gather valuable information on the effects of chemicals on various aquatic organisms, leading to a better understanding of environmental health and paving the way for potential solutions to mitigate harmful effects.
