High shell deposition of the invasive clam Corbicula fluminea (Müller, 1774) on alluvial bars: exploratory investigations and biogeomorphological research perspectives

摘要: The exotic, invasive freshwater bivalve Corbicula fluminea (Bivalvia: Corbiculidae) has spread globally in rivers around the World within last eighty years. Due to low inter-specific competition outside its native range, this mollusc often produces large quantities of shell invaded rivers. These shells are deposited on alluvial bars during floods, potentially inducing changes riverine geomorphological and ecological functioning. Based observations undertaken middle Garonne River, we suggest that river systems, at specific locations bars, C. may represent a new factor contributing process habitat construction modification local physicochemical properties substrate. We can be used as biochemical markers for several elements, such heavy metals, geomorphic biomarkers studying recent floodplain evolution associated in-channel sedimentation rates.