A systematic review of invasive non-native freshwater bivalves.

The introduction of invasive species has become an increasing environmental problem in freshwater ecosystems due to the high economic and ecological impacts it has generated. This systematic review covers publications from 2010 to 2020, focusing on non-native invasive freshwater bivalves, a particularly relevant and widespread introduced taxonomic group in fresh waters. We collected information on the most studied species, the main objectives of the studies, their geographical location, study duration, and type of research. Furthermore, we focused on assessing the levels of ecological evidence presented, the type of interactions of non-native bivalves with other organisms and the classification of their impacts. A total of 397 publications were retrieved. The studies addressed a total of 17 species of non-native freshwater bivalves; however, most publications focused on the species Corbicula fluminea and Dreissena polymorpha, which are recognised for their widespread distribution and extensive negative impacts. Many other non-native invasive bivalve species have been poorly studied. A high geographical bias was also present, with a considerable lack of studies in developing countries. The most frequent studies had shorter temporal periods, smaller spatial extents, and more observational data, were field-based, and usually evaluated possible ecological impacts at the individual and population levels. There were 94 publications documenting discernible impacts according to the Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa (EICAT). However, 41 of these publications did not provide sufficient data to determine an impact. The most common effects of invasive bivalves on ecosystems were structural alterations, and chemical and physical changes, which are anticipated due to their role as ecosystem engineers. Despite a considerable number of studies in the field and advances in our understanding of some species over the past decade, long-term data and large-scale studies are still needed to understand better the impacts, particularly at the community and ecosystem levels and in less-studied geographic regions. The widespread distribution of several non-native freshwater bivalves, their ongoing introductions, and high ecological and economic impacts demand continued research. Systematic reviews such as this are essential for identifying knowledge gaps and guiding future research to enable a more complete understanding of the ecological implications of invasive bivalves, and the development of effective management strategies.

An invasive bivalve with the potential to reconstruct chronologies of geomarkers in a large South American basin.

The Sr/Ca and 87Sr/86Sr ratios are used as natural indicators (geomarkers) in fish to reveal migratory patterns, due to significant relationships between these ratios measured in the water and in the fish calcified structures (otoliths, bones). The aim of this study was to assess the potential use of the Limnoperna fortunei shell as a proxy for monitoring the spatial and temporal variability of Sr/Ca and 87Sr/86Sr in water. These ratios were compared in water samples and bivalve shells proceeding from eight sites of four hydrogeological regions of the La Plata Basin (Argentina and Uruguay), collected in two hydrological periods (winter and summer) in order to depict the pattern of geographical and temporal variability and to evaluate the relationship between both matrices. Significant positive linear relationships were found between shell edge and water for 87Sr/86Sr (R2 = 0.96-0.97, p < 0.005) and Sr/Ca (R2 = 0.83-0.86, p < 0.05) in summer and winter. Slopes did not differ significantly from 1 (p > 0.05) for 87Sr/86Sr, while they differed from 1 for Sr/Ca in both seasons (p < 0.05), indicating that the elemental ratio would be influenced by endogenous/exogenous factors. No significant seasonal differences were found for both natural tags (p > 0.05), except for the lower Uruguay River (87Sr/86Sr) and outer estuary (Sr/Ca). These results indicate that the L. fortunei shell could be a valuable tool for monitoring spatio-temporal variations in water 87Sr/86Sr. Shell Sr/Ca shows high potential utility as a geomarker in freshwater, but additional assessments are needed to understand the impact of temperature and growth on this ratio.

eDNA-Based Early Detection Illustrates Rapid Spread of the Non-Native Golden Mussel Introduced into Beijing via Water Diversion.

The world's largest water diversion, the South-to-North Water Transfer Project (SNWTP) in China, has created an "invasion highway" to introduce invasive golden mussels (Limnoperna fortunei) from the Yangtze River basin to Beijing. To examine the spread and colonization patterns of this newly introduced invasive species, we conducted comprehensive environmental DNA (eDNA)-based early detection and conventional field surveys across all water bodies in five river basins in Beijing from 2020 to 2023. Our results indicated a rapid spread over the past four years. Among the 130 tested sites, the number of sites with positive signals from eDNA analysis exhibited an annual increase: Commencing with four infested sites identified through field surveys in 2019, eDNA analysis detected an additional 13, 11, and 10 positive sites in 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively, and a substantial rise comprising an additional 28 sites in 2023. Conventional field surveys detected mussels 1-3 years later than eDNA-based analysis at 16 sites. Across all 16 sites, we detected a low population density ranging from 1 to 30 individuals/m2. These findings collectively indicate that the invasions by golden mussels in Beijing are still in their early stages. To date, golden mussels have successfully colonized four out of the five investigated river basins, including the Jiyun River (22.2% positive sites), North Canal River (59.6% positive sites), Chaobai River (40% positive sites), and Yongding River (63.6% positive sites), with the North Canal River and Yongding River being the most heavily infested. Currently, only the Daqing River basin remains uninfested. Given the significant number of infested sites and the ongoing transport of large new propagules via SNWTP, further rapid spread and colonization are anticipated across aquatic ecosystems in Beijing and beyond. Consequently, we call for the proper implementation of effective management strategies, encompassing early detection, risk assessment, and the use of appropriate control measures to mitigate the potential ecological and economic damages in invaded ecosystems.

Biosseguridade para sistemas de produção de peixes em tanque-rede em função da colmatação agravada por Limnoperna fortunei / Biosecurity for fishfarming cage systems due to the highly clogged screen aggravated by Limnoperna fortunei

Este trabalho avaliou a colmatação por Limnoperna fortunei em diferentes materiais para confecção de telas de arame, a dinâmica da colmatação pelo molusco e a relação custo-benefício dos materiais usados em tanques-rede. Utilizaram-se amostras de telas de simples torção de malha 19mm, de cinco tipos diferentes de revestimentos, colocadas na barragem de Salto Caxias, no Rio Iguaçu, estado do Paraná, entre julho de 2012 e julho de 2014. A cada seis meses, foi verificado o ganho de peso das telas em razão da colmatação, além da contagem do número de mexilhões aderidos. Após as coletas dos dados, foi realizado o teste estatístico de Kruskal-Wallis para se avaliar o ganho de peso das telas devido à colmatação. Realizou-se também uma pesquisa com 21 empresas para se obter o preço comercializado de telas para confecção de tanques-rede e se avaliar a expectativa de durabilidade dos materiais. Verificou-se que os diferentes materiais avaliados para as telas influenciam na colmatação e aderência do mexilhão-dourado; além disso, constatou-se que a tela mais eficiente quanto ao custo/ano é a de arame galvanizado plastificado e, para baixa colmatação, a de arame Bezinal.(AU)

This research evaluated degree of clogging by Limnoperna fortunei in different materials for wire mesh fabrication, the dynamics of mollusk sealing and the cost-benefit ratio of these materials used in tank-nets. Samples of single-twist screens of 19 mm mesh were used, from five different types of coatings were placed in the Salto Caxias dam on the Iguaçu River in the Paraná state, between July 2012 and July 2014. Every six months, it was verified the weight gain of the screens due to clogging and counting of the number of mussels adhered. After the data collection was performed Kruskal-Wallis statistical test to evaluate the weight gain of the screens due to clogging. In addition, a survey was carried out with 21 companies to obtain the commercialized price of screens for the production of net tanks and to evaluate the expected durability of the materials. The different materials evaluated for the screens influenced the sealing and adhesion of the golden mussel. In addition, the most cost-per-year screen is that of plastic-coated galvanized wire and for low clogging it is the Bezinal wire.(AU)

Cellular development of the germinal epithelium during the gametogenic cycle of the golden mussel Limnoperna fortunei (Bivalvia: Mytilidae)

AbstractThe golden mussel Limnoperna fortunei is an invasive species that has quickly dispersed and colonized several potential different habitats distributed all over the world, causing environmental and economic impacts. Thus, in order to contribute to a better understanding of the reproductive aspects of L. fortunei, we described the cellular dynamic of the male and female germinal epithelium during the annual reproductive life history of this species, with the use of high resolution histology. An approximate of 1 200 specimens of L. fortunei were sampled periodically on the upper Paraná River floodplain (Brazil), from March 2010 to December 2012. Based on the activity of the germinal epithelium and consequent germ cell development, this study has resulted in the recognition of the following reproductive phases: Developing, Spawning Capable, Regressing and Regenerating. In the characterization of these phases, the following germ cells were described for males: spermatogonia, primary and secondary spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa. Cell nests, oogonia, early prophase oocytes, previtellogenic oocytes and vitellogenic oocytes (early vitellogenic oocytes, middle vitellogenic oocytes and full-grown oocytes) were described for females. The morphological data and reproductive parameters obtained, showed the value of the cellular dynamics of the germinal epithelium, for the understanding of the cyclic gonadal events during the adult reproductive life of the mollusk in general. These results on the gametogenesis of this invasive species may be a fundamental tool for the development of control strategies and programs implementation, to reduce their proliferation and impacts in natural local environments. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (2): 521-536. Epub 2016 June 01.

ResumenEl mejillón dorado Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857) es una especie invasora que se ha dispersado rápidamente y ha colonizado diferentes hábitats potenciales distribuidos por todo el mundo, causando impactos ambientales y económicos. El control de esta especie depende del conocimiento de los aspectos reproductivos. Entre marzo 2010 y diciembre 2012 fueron muestreados periodicamente alrededor de 1 200 especímenes de L. fortunei en la planicie de inundación del Alto Rio Paraná, Brasil. Con el fin de contribuir con una mejor comprensión de los aspectos reproductivos de L. fortunei, se describió la dinámica celular del epitelio germinativo masculino y femenino durante la vida reproductiva anual de esta especie, mediante histología de alta resolución basada en la actividad del epitelio germinal y el consecuente desarrollo de las células germinales. En este estudio se reconocieron las siguientes fases reproductivas: desarrollo, capacidad de desove, regresión y regeneración. En los machos se describieron las siguientes células germinales: espermatogonias, espermatocitos primarios y secundarios, espermátidas y espermatozoides. Mientras que en las hembras se estudiaron: nidos celulares, ovogonias, ovocitos profásicos tempranos, ovocitos pre-vitelogénicos y ovocitos vitelogénicos (ovocitos vitelogénicos tempranos, ovocitos vitelogénicos y ovocitos completamente desarrollados).Los datos morfológicos y parámetros reproductivos que se muestran aquí confirman cómo la dinámica celular del epitelio germinal permite la comprensión de los acontecimientos cíclicos gonadales durante la vida reproductiva de adultos del molusco, en general. El conocimiento de la gametogénesis de esta especie invasora puede convertirse en una herramienta fundamental para el desarrollo de estrategias de control y aplicación de programas para disminuir su proliferación en ambientes naturales.

Influence of antifouling paint on freshwater invertebrates (Mytilidae, Chironomidae and Naididae): density, richness and composition / Influência de revestimentos antiincrustantes em invertebrados aquáticos (Mytilidae, Chironomidae and Naididae): densidade, riqueza e composição

Abstract We conducted a study about invertebrates on artificial substrates with different antifouling paints in order to answer the following questions 1) is there lower accumulation of organic matter on substrates with antifouling paints, 2) is invertebrate colonization influenced by the release of biocides from antifouling paints, 3) is the colonization of aquatic invertebrates positively influenced by the material accumulated upon the substrate surface and 4) is the assemblage composition of invertebrates similar among the different antifouling paints? To answer these questions, four structures were installed in the Baía River in February 1st, 2007. Each structure was composed of 7 wood boards: 5 boards painted with each type of antifouling paints (T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5), one painted only with the primer (Pr) and the other without any paint (Cn). After 365 days, we observed a greater accumulation of organic matter in the substrates with T2 and T3 paint coatings. Limnoperna fortunei was recorded in all tested paints, with higher densities in the control, primer, T2 and T3. The colonization of Chironomidae and Naididae on the substrate was positively influenced by L. fortunei density. The non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) of the invertebrate community provided evidence of the clear distinction of invertebrate assemblages among the paints. Paints T2 and T3 were the most similar to the control and primer. Our results suggest that antifouling paints applied on substrates hinder invertebrate colonization by decreasing the density and richness of invertebrates.

Resumo O estudo dos invertebrados em substrato artificial com diferentes revestimentos antiincrustantes foi realizado com o intuito de responder as seguintes questões 1) Há menor acumulação de material orgânico nos substratos com revestimentos antiincrustantes? 2) A colonização de invertebrados é afetada pela liberação de biocidas dos revestimentos antiincrustantes? 3) A colonização dos invertebrados aquáticos é facilitada por material acumulado sobre a superfície do substrato? 4) A composição da assembléia é similar entre os diferentes revestimentos? Para realização deste estudo, quatro estruturas foram instaladas em 01 de fevereiro de 2007 no rio Baía. Em cada estrutura foram colocadas sete placas de madeira: cinco placas com aplicação de um tipo de revestimentos antiincrustantes (T1, T2, T3, T4 e T5), uma placa apenas com a aplicação do primer (Pr) e a outra placa permaneceu sem aplicação de nenhum revestimento (Cn). Ao final dos 365 dias em que os substratos ficaram submersos observou-se maior acumulação de material orgânico nos substratos dos revestimentos T2 e T3. Limnoperna fortunei foi registrada em todos os revestimentos testados, com maiores densidades encontradas no controle, primer, T2 e T3. A colonização de Chironomidae e Naididae sobre os substratos foi influenciada pela densidade de L. fortunei. A ordenação (NMDS) evidenciou a separação da assembléia de invertebrados entre os revestimentos. Os revestimentos T2 e T3 foram os mais similares ao controle e ao primer. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que revestimentos antiicrustantes aplicados sobre substratos dificultam a colonização de invertebrados, reduzindo a densidade e riqueza de invertebrados.

Influence of antifouling paint on freshwater invertebrates (Mytilidae, Chironomidae and Naididae): density, richness and composition

Abstract We conducted a study about invertebrates on artificial substrates with different antifouling paints in order to answer the following questions 1) is there lower accumulation of organic matter on substrates with antifouling paints, 2) is invertebrate colonization influenced by the release of biocides from antifouling paints, 3) is the colonization of aquatic invertebrates positively influenced by the material accumulated upon the substrate surface and 4) is the assemblage composition of invertebrates similar among the different antifouling paints? To answer these questions, four structures were installed in the Baía River in February 1st, 2007. Each structure was composed of 7 wood boards: 5 boards painted with each type of antifouling paints (T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5), one painted only with the primer (Pr) and the other without any paint (Cn). After 365 days, we observed a greater accumulation of organic matter in the substrates with T2 and T3 paint coatings. Limnoperna fortunei was recorded in all tested paints, with higher densities in the control, primer, T2 and T3. The colonization of Chironomidae and Naididae on the substrate was positively influenced by L. fortunei density. The non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) of the invertebrate community provided evidence of the clear distinction of invertebrate assemblages among the paints. Paints T2 and T3 were the most similar to the control and primer. Our results suggest that antifouling paints applied on substrates hinder invertebrate colonization by decreasing the density and richness of invertebrates.

Resumo O estudo dos invertebrados em substrato artificial com diferentes revestimentos antiincrustantes foi realizado com o intuito de responder as seguintes questões 1) Há menor acumulação de material orgânico nos substratos com revestimentos antiincrustantes? 2) A colonização de invertebrados é afetada pela liberação de biocidas dos revestimentos antiincrustantes? 3) A colonização dos invertebrados aquáticos é facilitada por material acumulado sobre a superfície do substrato? 4) A composição da assembléia é similar entre os diferentes revestimentos? Para realização deste estudo, quatro estruturas foram instaladas em 01 de fevereiro de 2007 no rio Baía. Em cada estrutura foram colocadas sete placas de madeira: cinco placas com aplicação de um tipo de revestimentos antiincrustantes (T1, T2, T3, T4 e T5), uma placa apenas com a aplicação do primer (Pr) e a outra placa permaneceu sem aplicação de nenhum revestimento (Cn). Ao final dos 365 dias em que os substratos ficaram submersos observou-se maior acumulação de material orgânico nos substratos dos revestimentos T2 e T3. Limnoperna fortunei foi registrada em todos os revestimentos testados, com maiores densidades encontradas no controle, primer, T2 e T3. A colonização de Chironomidae e Naididae sobre os substratos foi influenciada pela densidade de L. fortunei. A ordenação (NMDS) evidenciou a separação da assembléia de invertebrados entre os revestimentos. Os revestimentos T2 e T3 foram os mais similares ao controle e ao primer. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que revestimentos antiicrustantes aplicados sobre substratos dificultam a colonização de invertebrados, reduzindo a densidade e riqueza de invertebrados.

Three invasive species occurring in the diets of fishes in a Neotropical floodplain / Ocorrência de três espécies invasoras nas dietas de peixes em uma planície de inundação Neotropical

The composition of the diets of 66 species of fishes was investigated from September 2009 to June 2010 in three subsystems of the Upper Paraná River floodplain (Brazil), following invasion by the two mollusk species Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857) and Corbicula fluminea (Müller, 1774), and the macrophyte Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle. Limnoperna fortunei was consumed in all three subsystems and occurred in the diet of 15 fish species, with a high proportion in the diet of Leporinus obtusidens. Corbicula fluminea was present in the diet of Pterodoras granulosus caught in the Paraná and Ivinheima subsystems. Hydrilla verticillata occurred in the diet of Schizodon nasutus caught in the Ivinheima and Paraná subsystems. It is not yet possible to evaluate the potential of these species to control invasive mollusks in the study area or the impact of these species on the structure of the food chain. Omnivorous and herbivorous fishes in the study area may have little impact on the population of H. verticillata.

A composição da dieta de 66 espécies de peixes foi investigada de setembro de 2009 a junho de 2010, em três subsistemas da planície de inundação do alto rio Paraná (Brasil), após a invasão das espécies de molusco Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857) e Corbicula fluminea (Müller, 1774), e da macrófita Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle. Limnoperna fortunei foi consumida em todos os subsistemas amostrados e ocorreu na dieta de 15 espécies de peixes, com grande participação na dieta de Leporinus obtusidens. Corbicula fluminea esteve presente na dieta de Pterodoras granulosus coletados nos subsistemas Paraná e Ivinheima. Hydrilla verticillata ocorreu na dieta de Schizodon nasutus, capturados nos subsistemas Ivinheima e Paraná. Até o momento não é possível avaliar o potencial destas espécies para controlar moluscos invasores na área de estudo ou o impacto destas espécies sobre a estrutura das cadeias alimentares. Peixes omnívoros e herbívoros da área de estudo podem ter pouco impacto sobre a população de H. verticillata.

Three invasive species occurring in the diets of fishes in a Neotropical floodplain

The composition of the diets of 66 species of fishes was investigated from September 2009 to June 2010 in three subsystems of the Upper Paraná River floodplain (Brazil), following invasion by the two mollusk species Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857) and Corbicula fluminea (Müller, 1774), and the macrophyte Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle. Limnoperna fortunei was consumed in all three subsystems and occurred in the diet of 15 fish species, with a high proportion in the diet of Leporinus obtusidens. Corbicula flumineawas present in the diet of Pterodoras granulosus caught in the Paraná and Ivinheima subsystems. Hydrilla verticillataoccurred in the diet of Schizodon nasutus caught in the Ivinheima and Paraná subsystems. It is not yet possible to evaluate the potential of these species to control invasive mollusks in the study area or the impact of these species on the structure of the food chain. Omnivorous and herbivorous fishes in the study area may have little impact on the population of H. verticillata.

A composição da dieta de 66 espécies de peixes foi investigada de setembro de 2009 a junho de 2010, em três subsistemas da planície de inundação do alto rio Paraná (Brasil), após a invasão das espécies de molusco Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857) e Corbicula fluminea (Müller, 1774), e da macrófita Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle. Limnoperna fortunei foi consumida em todos os subsistemas amostrados e ocorreu na dieta de 15 espécies de peixes, com grande participação na dieta de Leporinus obtusidens. Corbicula fluminea esteve presente na dieta de Pterodoras granulosus coletados nos subsistemas Paraná e Ivinheima. Hydrilla verticillata ocorreu na dieta de Schizodon nasutus, capturados nos subsistemas Ivinheima e Paraná. Até o momento não é possível avaliar o potencial destas espécies para controlar moluscos invasores na área de estudo ou o impacto destas espécies sobre a estrutura das cadeias alimentares. Peixes omnívoros e herbívoros da área de estudo podem ter pouco impacto sobre a população de H. verticillata.

First occurrence of Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857) in the Rio Tietê watershed (São Paulo State, Brazil) / Invasão de Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857) na bacia do rio Tietê (SP)

This paper describes the recent expansion of the geographical distribution of Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857) in the Tietê River watershed, São Paulo State, Brazil. Estimations related to the velocity of invasion and its causes are presented. Ecological implications related to biodiversity and possible changes in the food chain are discussed.

Este artigo descreve a recente expansão da distribuição geográfica de Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857) na bacia hidrográfica do rio Tietê, estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Foram apresentadas estimativas da velocidade de invasão destes organismos e sua via de entrada no rio Tietê. Foram discutidas as possíveis modificações na cadeia alimentar e as implicações ecológicas da invasão do mexilhão-dourado.

First occurrence of Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857) in the Rio Tietê watershed (São Paulo State, Brazil)

This paper describes the recent expansion of the geographical distribution of Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857) in the Tietê River watershed, São Paulo State, Brazil. Estimations related to the velocity of invasion and its causes are presented. Ecological implications related to biodiversity and possible changes in the food chain are discussed.

Este artigo descreve a recente expansão da distribuição geográfica de Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857) na bacia hidrográfica do rio Tietê, estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Foram apresentadas estimativas da velocidade de invasão destes organismos e sua via de entrada no rio Tietê. Foram discutidas as possíveis modificações na cadeia alimentar e as implicações ecológicas da invasão do mexilhão-dourado.

Sponge-dwelling chironomids in the upper Paraná river (Brazil): little known but potentially threatened species / Chironomidae habitantes de esponjas de água doce no alto Rio Paraná (Brasil): espécies pouco conhecidas, mas potencialmente ameaçadas

Neste estudo é apresentada uma lista de espécies de Chironomidae habitantes de esponjas de água doce coletados no Alto Rio Paraná e é chamada a atenção para o problema de substituição de grandes áreas cobertas por esponjas de água doce por bancos da espécie invasora Limnoperma fortunei (mexilhão dourado). Também é descrita uma nova espécie de Oukuriella com base em adulto macho e feita uma descrição informal de uma larva de Chironomidae que provavelmente pertence ao complexo Stenochironomus.

In this paper, we provide a checklist of chironomids living in freshwater sponges in the upper Paraná River (Brazil) and we call attention to the problem of complete substitution of extensive areas covered by freshwater sponges by banks of the invasive alien species Limnoperna fortunei (golden mussel). We describe a new species of Oukuriella based on male adults and also describe an unusual larva of Chironomidae that probably belongs to the Stenochironomus complex.