Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) δ15N as a bioindicator of nitrogen sources: observations and modeling.

摘要: Stable nitrogen isotopes (δ15N) in bioindicators are increasingly employed to identify sources many ecosystems and biological characteristics of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) make it an appropriate species for this purpose. To assess isotopic fractionation associated with assimilation baseline variations mantle, gill, muscle tissue δ15N, manipulative fieldwork Chesapeake Bay corresponding modeling exercises were conducted. This study (1) determined that five individuals represented optimal sample size; (2) verified δ15N oysters from two locations converged after shared deployment a new location reflecting change sources; (3) identified required exposure time temporal integration (four months muscle, three gill mantle); (4) demonstrated seasonal increases seston (summer) (winter). As bioindicators, can be deployed spatial interpolation sources, even areas lacking extant populations.