Contribution of invasive bivalves (Dreissena spp.) to element distribution: phase interaction, regional and seasonal comparison in a large shallow lake

Abstract After introduction, the invasive bivalve dreissenids became key species in biota of Lake Balaton, largest shallow lake Central Europe. The contribution dreissenid soft tissue and shell, as biotic phases, element distribution its interaction with water upper sediment phases were examined two basins different trophic conditions spring autumn. Six metals (Ba, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn) detected all investigated phases. In general, abundant eastern basin spring, shells western This might be associated more urbanized surroundings eastern, enhanced organic matter production basin. High relative shares Ba, Pb shell samples, whereas high Fe Zn noted mussel sediments. Results suggest that dynamics metal uptake by depend on seasonal change metabolic activity. Shell content is less changeable; absorb from both Metallothionein peptides, scavengers intracellular metals, determined to biomarkers bulk contaminants rather than only metals. present study shows bivalves, abundance, filtering activity, storing capacity can significantly contribute shoreline a ecosystem.