Freshwater Mussel Sclerochronology Research in the Wabash River, Indiana

Keywords: freshwater, mussel, river, sclerochronology, dendrochonology, biogeography
Abstract Type: Poster Abstract

Abstract

Sclerochronology research uses dendrochronology techniques to develop an annual growth chronology for organisms that periodically or annually excrete a hard structure. Freshwater mussel shells grow annually and are used to develop growth chronologies for analysis just like tree rings. Freshwater mussel shells from dead specimen were collected from the Wabash River throughout multiple sites in Vigo County, Indiana in the summer of 2022. The threeridge mussel (Amblema plicata) has previously been used for a successful sclerochronology analysis in the Midwest, United States and was targeted during sampling. The shells are processed using standard sclerochronology techniques to be able to view the annual growth increments. Processing involves cutting shells in a thin section along the maximum growth axis, mounting them in epoxy and then creating acetate peels. Acetate peels are placed on slides and viewed under a microscope or can be scanned and viewed as an image file on a computer. Multiple species and site specific chronologies are being developed. Chronologies are being analyzed to assess if there are any relationships between annual growth and environmental or climatic factors.