Physiological energetics of Mytilus edulis: Scope for Growth

Mussels Mytllus e d u l ~s were sampled dunng the GEEP Workshop from 4 field sltes in Langesundflord, Norway, and from 4 experimental groups exposed to a range of water-accommodated diesel oil and copper concentrations in a mesocosm study. Measurements of physlolog~cal responses - such as feeding rate, food absorption efficiency, respiration rate and excretion ratewere integrated by means of the energy balance equation, and performance was assessed in terms of 'scope for growth'. The results show a significant dechne in scope for growth, both along the pollution gradient in Langesundfjord and with increasing exposure to copper and diesel oil in the mesocosm expenment Feedlng rate was the pnmary component of the energy budget that accounted for the decline in scope for growth with lncreaslng pollution.