Investigation of the filtration mechanism of bivalve species and their potential role in biomonitoring

Abstract

This study investigated the use of Sinanodonta woodiana as a bioindicator species in Lake Tisza, focusing on its filtration capacity and ability to accumulate contaminants. Samples collected from different basins were analyzed using ICP-OES, revealing significant spatial variation in elemental concentrations. Statistical and multivariate analyses showed clear differences among sites, reflecting heterogeneous environmental conditions and pollutant distribution. Environmental factors such as suspended solids, temperature, and oxygen levels were found to influence filtration activity and contaminant uptake. Overall, the results confirm that S. woodiana effectively reflects local water quality conditions. The study emphasizes the value of combining biological indicators with statistical approaches for freshwater ecosystem monitoring.