Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) as a biomonitoring tool for Sr90 contamination

Abstract Due to their efficient filtration capabilities, zebra mussels ( Dreissena polymorpha ) are effective bio-monitors of a wide range of environmental pollutants. In this study we test the suitability of zebra mussels as bio-monitors of Sr 90 contamination around a nuclear power station situated at Gentilly, Quebec along the St. Lawrence River. Based on the latest emission data which indicated negligible contributions of Sr 90 to the river, we hypothesize that dreissenids collected at sites upstream (Montreal), at the station and downstream from the station (Donnacona) would show no significant differences in shell concentrations of Sr 90 . Zebra mussel shell concentrations of Sr 90 were in the order of 0.02 pCi/g at Gentilly, 0.04 pCi/g at Montreal and 0.03 pCi/g at Donnacona, all values being below the limit of detection of the analytical method. We also considered the implication of Sr 90 contamination to higher trophic levels in the food chain.