Does the freshwater mussel Anodonta anatina remove the fish pathogen Flavobacterium columnare from water?

Abstract Global decline of freshwater mussels (Unionoida) is threatening biodiversity and the essential ecosystem services that provide. As filter-feeding organisms, remove phytoplankton suspended particles from water. By filtering bacteria, also decrease pathogen loads in The objective this study was to evaluate whether common bivalve Anodonta anatina (duck mussel) could bacterial fish Flavobacterium columnare Mussels reduced bacteria both two experiments performed, so concentration at end 96-h monitoring mussel treatments only 0.3–0.5 times controls. Surprisingly, did not reduce algal cell statistically significantly. Mussel behavior (shell openness, foot position, movement) affected by presence or algae, except for biodeposition formation, which greatest algal-fed treatments, followed bacterial-fed controls, respectively. intestines bacteria-incubated A. harbored F. , suggesting ingested bacteria. Present results suggest may have a potential mitigate aquaculture problems, as well play role water quality management.