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International Mussel Watch (UNESCO/IOC) in the Black Sea: A Pilot Study for Biological Effects and Contaminant Residues

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Environmental Degradation of the Black Sea: Challenges and Remedies

Part of the book series: NATO Science Series ((ASEN2,volume 56))

Abstract

The Black Sea is under increasing stress as a result of inputs of contaminants and eutrophying discharges. This study was an attempt to implement a Pilot “Mussel Watch” programme (supported by UNESCO-IOC, International Mussel Watch) to assess the health of mussel populations in the Black Sea. By utilising mussels for biological monitoring those areas suffering poor environmental quality can be identified. A simple non-injurious test using blood cells as a biological marker (lysosomal integrity/neutral red retention) of pollutant effect was deployed. Contaminants (PAHs, PCBs, selected pesticides and trace metals) were also measured in the tissues of mussels from some sites (Bulgaria and Ukraine). This data was supplemented with the results of a rapid source inventory of land based discharges (World Health Organisation) into the Black Sea.

The results of the “Mussel Watch Pilot Study” clearly showed that there were harmful effects at sites where there were known anthropogenic inputs, as identified in a WHO Inventory. Samples taken from recreational sites and sites well removed from significant anthropogenic influences showed no evidence of pathological perturbation. The effects measurement was based on the intracellular retention of the dye neutral red. Retention time of this dye is markedly reduced when the mussels are exposed to toxic chemicals. The results showed a strong correlation between the biological effect, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Total Suspended Sediment (TSS). Contaminant data for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons was available: this showed a direct correlational trend with BOD and TSS; but this was not significant due to the limited number of samples analysed. Chemical data was only available from the sampling sites in Russia, Ukraine and Bulgaria.

The conclusions are that the biological effects data clearly identify sites where there are significant harmful impacts on the mussels. These sites were all subject to significant anthropogenic inputs as evidenced by the measurements of BOD, TSS and chemical contaminants. Despite the problems encountered in obtaining comprehensive chemical data it is recommended that the Mussel Watch should be continued using the neutral red retention procedure as an indicator of harmful effect, coupled with chemical contaminant measurements. Efforts to develop the analytical capabilities in the region should continue to be supported. This strategy will help to develop the regional, national and international infrastructures for assessment of environmental impact to the Black Sea.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Plymouth Marine Laboratory (CCMS-NERC), Citadel Hill, The Hoe, Plymouth, PL1 2PB, UK

    M. N. Moore, D. M. Lowe & R. J. Wedderburn

  2. Plymouth Environmental Research Centre, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK

    R. J. Wedderburn & M. H. Depledge

  3. Geochemical & Environmental Research Group, Texas A&M University, 833, Graham Road, College Station, Texas, 77845, USA

    T. Wade

  4. Ministry Of Environment, Research institute of Shipping, 1, Slaveikov str., 9001, Varna, Bulgaria

    G. Balashov

  5. Engineering Faculty, 19 Mayis University, 55139, Kurupelit, Samsun, Turkey

    H. Büyükgüngör & H. Özkoc

  6. Centre for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring, 25, Sevastopolskaya, Sochi, 354000, Russian Federation

    Y. Daurova

  7. Ukrainian Scientific Centre of the Ecology of Sea, 89, Frantsuzki Blvd, Odessa, 270009, Ukraine

    Y. Denga & E. Kostylev

  8. Romanian Marine Research Inst, B-dul Mamaia, 300, 8700, Constanta, Romania

    P. Mihnea & C. Ciocan

  9. Institute of Oceanology-BAS, P.O. Box 152, 9000, Varna, Bulgaria

    S. Moncheva

  10. Sanitary and Hygienic Scientific Research Institute, P.O. Box 172, 380079, Tbilisi, Georgia

    S. Tabagari

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  1. M. N. Moore
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  2. D. M. Lowe
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  3. R. J. Wedderburn
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  4. T. Wade
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  5. G. Balashov
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  6. H. Büyükgüngör
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  9. E. Kostylev
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  10. P. Mihnea
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  15. M. H. Depledge
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Marine Sciences, METU, Erdemli, İçel, Turkey

    Sükrü T. Beşiktepe  & Ümit Ünlüata  & 

  2. Romanian Marine Research Institute, Constanta, Romania

    Alexandru S. Bologa

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Moore, M.N. et al. (1999). International Mussel Watch (UNESCO/IOC) in the Black Sea: A Pilot Study for Biological Effects and Contaminant Residues. In: Beşiktepe, S.T., Ünlüata, Ü., Bologa, A.S. (eds) Environmental Degradation of the Black Sea: Challenges and Remedies. NATO Science Series, vol 56. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-4568-8_16

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