Biogeochemical alteration of the benthic environment by the zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas)

The aim of this study was to verify whether the biogeochemical features (e.g. concentration of nutrients, oxygen consumption, mineralization rate, Eh) of sediments changed by the zebra mussel or its shell deposits differ from those in the ambient soft bottom, and how these differences are related to the structure of benthic macroinvertebrates. In 2006 three sampling sessions were carried out in the Curonian Lagoon, SE Baltic Sea, at three pre-defined sites, corresponding to different bottom types: zebra mussel bed, zebra mussel shell deposits and bare soft sediments. Similarity analysis of biogeochemical parameters indicated that bottom sediments covered with zebra mussel shell deposits were rather distinct from the other bottom types because of the lowest total organic matter mineralization rate and highest organic carbon, total phosphorus and total nitrogen content. The parameters measured in the zebra mussel bed did not deviate conspicuously from the values observed in bare bottoms, except for the higher rate of oxygen consumption in the upper sediment layer. Unsuitable anoxic conditions on the one hand and the ‘attractive’ shelters provided by zebra mussels on the other hand may promote the epifaunal life style in the habitats formed by dense zebra mussel clumps.