Mussels Repair Shell Damage despite Limitations Imposed by Ocean Acidification

Bivalves frequently withstand shell damage that must be quickly repaired to ensure survival. While the processes underlie larval development have been extensively studied within context of ocean acidification (OA), it remains unclear whether repair is impacted by elevated pCO2. To better understand stereotypical process, we monitored mussels (Mytilus edulis) with sublethal breached mantle cavity both field and laboratory conditions characterize deposition rate, composition, integrity shell. Results were then compared a experiment wherein trossulus) in one seven pCO2 treatments (400–2500 µatm). Shell proceeded through distinct stages; an organic membrane first covered damaged area (days 1–15), followed calcite crystals 22–43) aragonite tablets 51–69). OA did not impact ability close drill holes, nor microstructure, or end-point after 10 weeks, as measured µCT SEM imaging, energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, mechanical testing. However, significant interactions between pCO2, length exposure treatment conditions, strength inorganic content shell, physiological condition observed. These results suggest while does prevent adult from repairing mineralizing may elicit stress responses impose energetic constraints on mussel physiology.