HR: 1330h
AN: NB33J-02    [Abstracts]
TI: Effects of Room-Temperature Ionic Liquids on Zebra Mussels (Dreissena polymorpha)
AU: * Costello, D M
EM: dcostel2@nd.edu
AF: University of Notre Dame, Department of Biological Sciences, Notre Dame, IN 46556
AU: Bernot, R J
EM: rbernot@nd.edu
AF: University of Notre Dame, Department of Biological Sciences, Notre Dame, IN 46556
AU: Lamberti, G A
EM: lamberti.1@nd.edu
AF: University of Notre Dame, Department of Biological Sciences, Notre Dame, IN 46556
AB: Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are exotic bivalves that are widely distributed in eastern North America. We propose that this nuisance organism could serve as a model species for studies of aquatic toxicology. We tested zebra mussels response to room-temperature ionic liquids (ILs), which are being synthesized as environmentally friendly alternatives to volatile organic solvents. Volatile organic solvents contribute to atmospheric pollution and ozone depletion, whereas ILs are non-volatile and less harmful to the atmosphere. Although ILs would contribute significantly less to air pollution, little is known about their potential effects on aquatic ecosystems. In 72-hour toxicity tests, we determined the acute effects of three imidazolium-based ILs (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide (bmimBr), 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide (hmimBr), and 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide (omimBr)) on the survival of zebra mussels. As alkyl chain length decreased, median lethal concentration (LC50) decreased from 1291 mg L^-1 for bmimBr, to 105 mg L^-1 for hmimBr, and 21.2 mg L^-1 for omimBr. For bivalve mussels, the toxicities of these ILs are comparable to the toxicities of commonly used industrial solvents (e.g., toluene, benzene). This study presents a foundation for using zebra mussels in toxicity studies as well as possible models for less common Unionid mussels.
DE: 1803 Anthropogenic effects
DE: 1871 Surface water quality
DE: 1899 General or miscellaneous
SC: North American Benthological Society [NB]
MN: 2005 Joint Assembly