The influence of filter-feeding bivalves on plankton communities, nutrients, and water quality in a given aquatic ecosystem is so profound that they can be considered engineers. In 70-day mesocosm experiment, we tested the hypothesis Corbicula fluminea would change community structure by reducing small zooplankton large phytoplankton improve nutrients. We monitored levels nitrogen phosphorus, o...

Brazil has experienced a rise in the use of agrochemicals recent years, representing potential threat to nearby ecosystems. The Volta Grande Reservoir (Minas Gerais/São Paulo, Brazil) about 87% its area surrounded by agricultural systems, and many compounds used agriculture end up being carried into water bodies. Given ecological risk, our purpose was assess pesticides reservoir. We collected s...

An experimental study was carried out to investigate direct and direct plus trophic contamination routes of the crayfish Astacus astacus by inorganic mercury (Hg(II)) or methylmercury (MeHg). Direct exposure was based on low contamination conditions, 300 and 30 ng/L in the dissolved phase, respectively, during 30 d at 20 degrees C. Trophic exposure was based on daily consumption of the Asiatic ...

The effect of a freshwater clam (Corbicula fluminea) extract (FCE) on cholesterol metabolism in rats fed on a high-cholesterol diet was investigated. When rats were fed various amounts of FCE in addition to the high-cholesterol diet for 2 wk, the serum and hepatic cholesterol levels were gradually reduced in a dose-dependent manner, as compared with the control group. The excretion of neutral s...

We examined whether environmentally relevant concentrations of different types of microplastics, with or without PCBs, directly affect freshwater prey and indirectly affect their predators. Asian clams (Corbicula fluminea) were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene, polyvinylchloride (PVC) or polystyrene with and without polychlorin...

The potent anti-inflammatory activities and tissue-protective effects of freshwater clams (Corbicula fluminea) have been well reported. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of freshwater clam extract (FCE) supplementation on time to exhaustion, muscle damage, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and liver injury in rats after exhaustive exercise. Thirty-two rats were divided into...