Tracing timing of growth in cultured molluscs using strontium spiking

Introduction Growth experiments present a powerful tool for determining the effect of environmental parameters on growth and carbonate composition in biogenic calcifiers. For successful proxy calibration biomineralization studies, it is vital to identify volumes precipitated by these organisms at precise intervals during experiment. Here, we investigate use strontium labelling mollusc experiments. Methods Three bivalve species ( Cerastoderma edule , Mytilus edulis Ostrea ) were grown under monitored field conditions. The bivalves regularly exposed seawater with elevated concentrations dissolved chloride (SrCl 2 ). In addition, size their shells was determined various stages experiment using calliper measurements digital photography. Trace element profiles measured cross sections through molluscs laser ablation ICPMS XRF techniques. Results Our results show that doses equivalent 7-8 times background marine value (~0.6 mmol/L) are sufficient cause reproducible peaks shell-incorporated C. M. shells. No negative effects observed shell calcification rates. Lower (3-5 values) resulted less clearly identifiable peaks, especially . Strontium spiking labels O. more difficult detect, likely due irregular growth. Discussion useful technique creating time marks cultured way monitor growing season while limiting physical disturbance animals. However, accurate reconstructions rates high temporal resolution require frequent strontium.