A group of scientists is conducting a study on mussels in the Grand River in Brantford, Ontario, to gain insights into the impact of certain chemicals on the environment. Patty Gillis, a research scientist from Environment and Climate Change Canada, leads a team based at the Canada Centre for Inland Waters in Burlington, Ontario, focusing on studying aquatic contaminants.
Utilizing native freshwater mussels as indicators of water quality, Gillis and her team aim to investigate the presence and effects of contaminants. Mussels, being stationary creatures that filter water through their gills and reside in sediment, are exposed to pollutants from both the water and riverbed. By analyzing mussel tissue samples, the team can quantify the impact of various substances like metals or pharmaceuticals found in the river.
The researchers are specifically examining the river downstream of the municipal wastewater treatment plant to understand how different chemicals, either individually or in combinations, affect various mussel species. This study is part of a broader initiative known as the Integrated Chemical Mixtures Project (ICMP), which is also conducting similar investigations in Windsor, Ontario.
Mark Hewitt, a chemist from Burlington involved in the ICMP project, emphasizes the importance of understanding complex chemical mixtures and their potential effects. The project aims to uncover the unknown aspects of these mixtures and identify solutions to mitigate any harmful impacts on the environment and human health.
The ICMP project was initiated following the recognition of the right to a healthy environment by the federal government. By pooling resources and collaborating across teams, the project seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of chemical contaminants. This holistic approach allows for comparisons of findings across different locations, such as Sarnia and Brantford, which represent diverse environmental settings.
In Brantford, the research team set up a mobile lab near the river to conduct their studies. Activities included measuring mussel sizes, analyzing hemolymph samples, and dissecting mussels to assess their stress levels and contamination levels. The team’s meticulous work involves studying various aspects of the mussels to gain a comprehensive understanding of the environmental impact.
Gillis and her team also explore the river environment by monitoring flow rates, water acidity, and sampling riverbed organisms. The future plan includes placing mussels upstream and downstream of the wastewater treatment plant and an industrial area to track stress levels and chemical accumulation over time. This comprehensive approach aims to provide a broader perspective on the environmental impact of chemicals on diverse aquatic species.
As the research progresses, the team intends to expand their investigations to other regions in Canada to further understand the effects of contaminants on different ecosystems.