The Experts below are selected from a list of 2928 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Carmen G Castro - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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influence of Mussel Culture on the vertical export of phytoplankton carbon in a coastal upwelling embayment ria de vigo nw iberia
Estuaries and Coasts, 2016Co-Authors: M Frojan, F G Figueiras, D Zuniga, F Alonsoperez, Belen Arbones, Carmen G CastroAbstract:The goal of this paper is to find out whether suspended Mussel Culture affects the vertical fluxes of biogenic particles in the Ria de Vigo on a seasonal scale. With this aim, vertical fluxes of particulate organic carbon (POC) and the magnitude and composition of vertical export of phytoplankton carbon (Cphyto) collected in sediment traps were examined by comparing data obtained inside a Mussel farming area (RaS) with those found at a reference station (ReS) not affected by Mussels. Our results indicate that Mussel farming has a strong impact on sedimentation fluxes under the rafts, not only increasing POC flux but also altering the magnitude and composition of Cphyto fluxes. Average POC flux at RaS (2564 ± 1936 mg m−2 day−1) was four times higher than at ReS (731 ± 276 mg m−2 day−1), and much of this increase was due to biodeposit fluxes (Cbiodep) which accounted for large proportion of POC flux (35–60 %). Indeed, because of this high Cbiodep flux, only a small proportion of the POC flux was due to Cphyto flux (3–12 %). At the same time, we observed an increased sedimentation of phytoplankton cells at RaS that could be explained by a combination of mechanisms: less energetic hydrodynamic conditions under Mussel rafts, ballast effect by sinking Mussel feces, and diatom aggregates. Moreover, Mussel farming also altered the quality of the Cphyto flux by removing part of the predatory pressure of zooplankton and thus matching diatom composition in water column and sediment traps.
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benthic fluxes net ecosystem metabolism and seafood harvest completing the organic carbon balance in the ria de vigo nw spain
Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science, 2015Co-Authors: F Alonsoperez, F G Figueiras, Belen Arbones, Diana Zuniga, Carmen G CastroAbstract:Abstract Simultaneous direct measurements of primary production, pelagic and benthic respiration and vertical fluxes allowed, for the first time, the evaluation of the carbon metabolism in the Ria de Vigo (NW Spain) on seasonal and annual scales. With this aim, a total of 16 oceanographic cruises covering the main oceanographic conditions were carried out between April 2004 and January 2005. In addition, a 2D carbon budget, including extraction from Mussel Culture and fisheries activities, is proposed. The pelagic system was net autotrophic during the spring and summer periods and autotrophic or almost in balance during autumn and winter. Vertical fluxes of organic carbon were higher than net community production (NCP) during autumn and winter periods, probably due to resuspension processes and inputs of organic matter from continental runoff. Benthic mineralization is an important process in the Ria de Vigo, which gains significance during autumn and winter when benthic respiration accounts for 40% and 45% of the total respiration, respectively. The Ria de Vigo is net autotrophic on annual basis (317 ± 113 g C m −2 yr −1 ) even though the benthic metabolism reduces the NCP by 23%. Total annual carbon seafood harvest amounted 3% of the net ecosystem metabolism and it is dominated by Mussel Culture (89%). However, based on mean energy transfer efficiency between trophic levels of 10%, it is estimated that Mussel Culture and reported fish catches require up to 38% of the NCP. The organic carbon produced in situ at the Ria de Vigo and available for export to the adjacent shelf or to be buried in the sediment represents ¼ of the gross primary production and it is favoured during summer upwelling.
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feedback between physiological activity of mytilus galloprovincialis and biogeochemistry of the water column
Marine Ecology Progress Series, 2013Co-Authors: Diana Zuniga, Uxio Labarta, M Frojan, F G Figueiras, F Alonsoperez, Carmen G Castro, Isabel Fuentessantos, M J FernandezreirizAbstract:We investigated the filter-feeding behaviour of individual Mytilus galloprovincialis Lmk in the Ria de Vigo (Galicia, northwest Iberian Peninsula) in order to assess changes in water column biogeochemistry due to Mussel Culture and the effect of seston organic content on Mussel physiological rates. The study was carried out during 1 yr under different oceanographic scenarios by comparing data from a station located in a raft area (RaS) and from a reference site (ReS) with no direct effects of rafting Culture activities. Results showed differences between stations in water column nutrient contents, mainly in ammonium levels, with a mean annual excess of 40% at RaS due to Mussel feeding activities. We also observed a pronounced deficit of particulate matter at RaS, both in terms of chlorophyll a (chl a, �33%) and microbial plankton carbon (�34%), reflecting preferential grazing of Mussels on living plankton carbon. Our investigation of the seston organic compound revealed that feeding and digestion of M. galloprovincialis are highly dependent on the quality of the organic composition of the available food. Mussel organic ingestion rate and absorption efficiency were more strongly correlated with microbial plankton carbon contents than with particulate organic carbon and chl a, illustrating the importance of considering not only auto- trophic but also heterotrophic microbial plankton carbon as high-quality food for Mussels in the Ria de Vigo.
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effects of suspended Mussel Culture on benthic pelagic coupling in a coastal upwelling system ria de vigo nw iberian peninsula
Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 2010Co-Authors: F Alonsoperez, T J Ysebaert, Carmen G CastroAbstract:Abstract The influence of suspended Mussel Culture on the benthic–pelagic coupling was evaluated in the Ria de Vigo, in the coastal upwelling system of the NW Iberian Peninsula, during the month of July 2004. Measurements of water column properties were carried out at three stations in the Ria de Vigo: under a Mussel raft (1), and at two reference sites in the main channel (2) and in the inner part (3) of the Ria. Dissolved nutrients, dissolved oxygen and inorganic carbon benthic fluxes were measured by means of a benthic chamber at stations 1 and 3. Sediment traps were deployed at 6 locations to estimate vertical fluxes. The water column structure at the three study stations was very similar, characterized by upwelling conditions during the second week of July and a posterior stratification showing a strong thermocline, with a depth fluctuation mainly modulated by the shelf wind regime. Vertical POC fluxes underneath the Mussel raft (3 g C m−2 d− 1) were 3 times higher than those obtained between rafts and 10 times higher than in the main channel reference site. Dissolved oxygen, ammonium, silicate and phosphate benthic fluxes were significantly higher under the raft than at the inner Ria reference site. A 1D carbon budget showed the importance of benthic metabolism under the raft (2.3 ± 0.8 g C m− 2 d− 1), being higher than the organic carbon produced at the photic layer (0.7 ± 0.3 g C m− 2 d− 1), as a result of higher organic loading compared to the inner Ria reference site. The results show for the first time the important role that suspended Mussel Cultures play in the benthic–pelagic coupling in this coastal upwelling ecosystem.
Joel Aubin - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Blue Mussel (Mytilus edulis) bouchot Culture in Mont-St Michel Bay: potential mitigation effects on climate change and eutrophication
International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2018Co-Authors: Joel Aubin, Myriam Callier, Caroline Fontaine, E Roque D'orbcastelAbstract:Bivalve production is an important aquaCulture activity worldwide, but few environmental assessments have focused on it. In particular, bivalves' ability to extract nutrients from the environment by intensely filtering water and producing a shell must be considered in the environmental assessment. LCA of blue Mussel bouchot Culture (grown out on wood pilings) in Mont Saint-Michel Bay (France) was performed to identify its impact hotspots. The chemical composition of Mussel flesh and shell was analyzed to accurately identify potential positive effects on eutrophication and climate change. The fate of Mussel shells after consumption was also considered. Its potential as a carbon-sink is influenced by assumptions made about the carbon sequestration in wooden bouchots and in the Mussel shell. The fate of the shells which depends on management of discarded Mussels and household waste plays also an important role. Its carbon-sink potential barely compensates the climate change impact induced by the use of fuel used for on-site transportation. The export of N and P in Mussel flesh slightly decreases potential eutrophication. Environmental impacts of blue Mussel Culture are determined by the location of production and Mussel yields, which are influenced by marine currents and the distance to on-shore technical base. Bouchot Mussel Culture has low environmental impacts compared to livestock systems, but the overall environmental performances depend on farming practices and the amount of fuel used. Changes to the surrounding ecosystem induced by high Mussel density must be considered in future LCA studies.
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Blue Mussel (Mytilus edulis) bouchot Culture in Mont-St Michel Bay: potential mitigation effects on climate change and eutrophication
The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2017Co-Authors: Joel Aubin, Myriam Callier, Caroline Fontaine, Emmanuelle Roque D’orbcastelAbstract:PurposeBivalve production is an important aquaCulture activity worldwide, but few environmental assessments have focused on it. In particular, bivalves’ ability to extract nutrients from the environment by intensely filtering water and producing a shell must be considered in the environmental assessment.MethodsLCA of blue Mussel bouchot Culture (grown out on wood pilings) in Mont Saint-Michel Bay (France) was performed to identify its impact hotspots. The chemical composition of Mussel flesh and shell was analyzed to accurately identify potential positive effects on eutrophication and climate change. The fate of Mussel shells after consumption was also considered.Results and discussionIts potential as a carbon-sink is influenced by assumptions made about the carbon sequestration in wooden bouchots and in the Mussel shell. The fate of the shells which depends on management of discarded Mussels and household waste plays also an important role. Its carbon-sink potential barely compensates the climate change impact induced by the use of fuel used for on-site transportation. The export of N and P in Mussel flesh slightly decreases potential eutrophication. Environmental impacts of blue Mussel Culture are determined by the location of production and Mussel yields, which are influenced by marine currents and the distance to on-shore technical base.ConclusionsBouchot Mussel Culture has low environmental impacts compared to livestock systems, but the overall environmental performances depend on farming practices and the amount of fuel used. Changes to the surrounding ecosystem induced by high Mussel density must be considered in future LCA studies.
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environmental impacts of producing bouchot Mussels in mont saint michel bay france using lca with emphasis on potential climate change and eutrophication
Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Life Cycle Assessment in the Agri-Food Sector (LCA Food 2014) San Francisco California USA 8-10 Oct, 2014Co-Authors: Joel Aubin, Caroline Fontaine, R Schenck, D HuizenAbstract:LCA of bouchot blue Mussel Culture in Mont Saint-Michel Bay (France) was performed to identify impact hotspots of the activity. To better characterize potential positive effects on eutrophication and climate change, the chemical composition of the flesh and shell was analyzed. A small but potential mitigating effect on eutrophication was observed, reaching 1 kg PO4-eq. per tonne of “ready-to-cook” Mussels. The potential carbon sink effect is influenced by hypotheses about the wooden stakes of the bouchots and about the fate of the shells, associated to the management of discarded Mussel and of the household waste. This effect barely compensates the climate change due to the use of fuel for on-site transportation. In addition, environmental impacts of blue Mussel Culture depend on its production location, as a function of Mussel yields due to the marine currents combined with the distance to on-shore infrastructure.
F Alonsoperez - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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influence of Mussel Culture on the vertical export of phytoplankton carbon in a coastal upwelling embayment ria de vigo nw iberia
Estuaries and Coasts, 2016Co-Authors: M Frojan, F G Figueiras, D Zuniga, F Alonsoperez, Belen Arbones, Carmen G CastroAbstract:The goal of this paper is to find out whether suspended Mussel Culture affects the vertical fluxes of biogenic particles in the Ria de Vigo on a seasonal scale. With this aim, vertical fluxes of particulate organic carbon (POC) and the magnitude and composition of vertical export of phytoplankton carbon (Cphyto) collected in sediment traps were examined by comparing data obtained inside a Mussel farming area (RaS) with those found at a reference station (ReS) not affected by Mussels. Our results indicate that Mussel farming has a strong impact on sedimentation fluxes under the rafts, not only increasing POC flux but also altering the magnitude and composition of Cphyto fluxes. Average POC flux at RaS (2564 ± 1936 mg m−2 day−1) was four times higher than at ReS (731 ± 276 mg m−2 day−1), and much of this increase was due to biodeposit fluxes (Cbiodep) which accounted for large proportion of POC flux (35–60 %). Indeed, because of this high Cbiodep flux, only a small proportion of the POC flux was due to Cphyto flux (3–12 %). At the same time, we observed an increased sedimentation of phytoplankton cells at RaS that could be explained by a combination of mechanisms: less energetic hydrodynamic conditions under Mussel rafts, ballast effect by sinking Mussel feces, and diatom aggregates. Moreover, Mussel farming also altered the quality of the Cphyto flux by removing part of the predatory pressure of zooplankton and thus matching diatom composition in water column and sediment traps.
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benthic fluxes net ecosystem metabolism and seafood harvest completing the organic carbon balance in the ria de vigo nw spain
Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science, 2015Co-Authors: F Alonsoperez, F G Figueiras, Belen Arbones, Diana Zuniga, Carmen G CastroAbstract:Abstract Simultaneous direct measurements of primary production, pelagic and benthic respiration and vertical fluxes allowed, for the first time, the evaluation of the carbon metabolism in the Ria de Vigo (NW Spain) on seasonal and annual scales. With this aim, a total of 16 oceanographic cruises covering the main oceanographic conditions were carried out between April 2004 and January 2005. In addition, a 2D carbon budget, including extraction from Mussel Culture and fisheries activities, is proposed. The pelagic system was net autotrophic during the spring and summer periods and autotrophic or almost in balance during autumn and winter. Vertical fluxes of organic carbon were higher than net community production (NCP) during autumn and winter periods, probably due to resuspension processes and inputs of organic matter from continental runoff. Benthic mineralization is an important process in the Ria de Vigo, which gains significance during autumn and winter when benthic respiration accounts for 40% and 45% of the total respiration, respectively. The Ria de Vigo is net autotrophic on annual basis (317 ± 113 g C m −2 yr −1 ) even though the benthic metabolism reduces the NCP by 23%. Total annual carbon seafood harvest amounted 3% of the net ecosystem metabolism and it is dominated by Mussel Culture (89%). However, based on mean energy transfer efficiency between trophic levels of 10%, it is estimated that Mussel Culture and reported fish catches require up to 38% of the NCP. The organic carbon produced in situ at the Ria de Vigo and available for export to the adjacent shelf or to be buried in the sediment represents ¼ of the gross primary production and it is favoured during summer upwelling.
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feedback between physiological activity of mytilus galloprovincialis and biogeochemistry of the water column
Marine Ecology Progress Series, 2013Co-Authors: Diana Zuniga, Uxio Labarta, M Frojan, F G Figueiras, F Alonsoperez, Carmen G Castro, Isabel Fuentessantos, M J FernandezreirizAbstract:We investigated the filter-feeding behaviour of individual Mytilus galloprovincialis Lmk in the Ria de Vigo (Galicia, northwest Iberian Peninsula) in order to assess changes in water column biogeochemistry due to Mussel Culture and the effect of seston organic content on Mussel physiological rates. The study was carried out during 1 yr under different oceanographic scenarios by comparing data from a station located in a raft area (RaS) and from a reference site (ReS) with no direct effects of rafting Culture activities. Results showed differences between stations in water column nutrient contents, mainly in ammonium levels, with a mean annual excess of 40% at RaS due to Mussel feeding activities. We also observed a pronounced deficit of particulate matter at RaS, both in terms of chlorophyll a (chl a, �33%) and microbial plankton carbon (�34%), reflecting preferential grazing of Mussels on living plankton carbon. Our investigation of the seston organic compound revealed that feeding and digestion of M. galloprovincialis are highly dependent on the quality of the organic composition of the available food. Mussel organic ingestion rate and absorption efficiency were more strongly correlated with microbial plankton carbon contents than with particulate organic carbon and chl a, illustrating the importance of considering not only auto- trophic but also heterotrophic microbial plankton carbon as high-quality food for Mussels in the Ria de Vigo.
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effects of suspended Mussel Culture on benthic pelagic coupling in a coastal upwelling system ria de vigo nw iberian peninsula
Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 2010Co-Authors: F Alonsoperez, T J Ysebaert, Carmen G CastroAbstract:Abstract The influence of suspended Mussel Culture on the benthic–pelagic coupling was evaluated in the Ria de Vigo, in the coastal upwelling system of the NW Iberian Peninsula, during the month of July 2004. Measurements of water column properties were carried out at three stations in the Ria de Vigo: under a Mussel raft (1), and at two reference sites in the main channel (2) and in the inner part (3) of the Ria. Dissolved nutrients, dissolved oxygen and inorganic carbon benthic fluxes were measured by means of a benthic chamber at stations 1 and 3. Sediment traps were deployed at 6 locations to estimate vertical fluxes. The water column structure at the three study stations was very similar, characterized by upwelling conditions during the second week of July and a posterior stratification showing a strong thermocline, with a depth fluctuation mainly modulated by the shelf wind regime. Vertical POC fluxes underneath the Mussel raft (3 g C m−2 d− 1) were 3 times higher than those obtained between rafts and 10 times higher than in the main channel reference site. Dissolved oxygen, ammonium, silicate and phosphate benthic fluxes were significantly higher under the raft than at the inner Ria reference site. A 1D carbon budget showed the importance of benthic metabolism under the raft (2.3 ± 0.8 g C m− 2 d− 1), being higher than the organic carbon produced at the photic layer (0.7 ± 0.3 g C m− 2 d− 1), as a result of higher organic loading compared to the inner Ria reference site. The results show for the first time the important role that suspended Mussel Cultures play in the benthic–pelagic coupling in this coastal upwelling ecosystem.
F G Figueiras - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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influence of Mussel Culture on the vertical export of phytoplankton carbon in a coastal upwelling embayment ria de vigo nw iberia
Estuaries and Coasts, 2016Co-Authors: M Frojan, F G Figueiras, D Zuniga, F Alonsoperez, Belen Arbones, Carmen G CastroAbstract:The goal of this paper is to find out whether suspended Mussel Culture affects the vertical fluxes of biogenic particles in the Ria de Vigo on a seasonal scale. With this aim, vertical fluxes of particulate organic carbon (POC) and the magnitude and composition of vertical export of phytoplankton carbon (Cphyto) collected in sediment traps were examined by comparing data obtained inside a Mussel farming area (RaS) with those found at a reference station (ReS) not affected by Mussels. Our results indicate that Mussel farming has a strong impact on sedimentation fluxes under the rafts, not only increasing POC flux but also altering the magnitude and composition of Cphyto fluxes. Average POC flux at RaS (2564 ± 1936 mg m−2 day−1) was four times higher than at ReS (731 ± 276 mg m−2 day−1), and much of this increase was due to biodeposit fluxes (Cbiodep) which accounted for large proportion of POC flux (35–60 %). Indeed, because of this high Cbiodep flux, only a small proportion of the POC flux was due to Cphyto flux (3–12 %). At the same time, we observed an increased sedimentation of phytoplankton cells at RaS that could be explained by a combination of mechanisms: less energetic hydrodynamic conditions under Mussel rafts, ballast effect by sinking Mussel feces, and diatom aggregates. Moreover, Mussel farming also altered the quality of the Cphyto flux by removing part of the predatory pressure of zooplankton and thus matching diatom composition in water column and sediment traps.
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benthic fluxes net ecosystem metabolism and seafood harvest completing the organic carbon balance in the ria de vigo nw spain
Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science, 2015Co-Authors: F Alonsoperez, F G Figueiras, Belen Arbones, Diana Zuniga, Carmen G CastroAbstract:Abstract Simultaneous direct measurements of primary production, pelagic and benthic respiration and vertical fluxes allowed, for the first time, the evaluation of the carbon metabolism in the Ria de Vigo (NW Spain) on seasonal and annual scales. With this aim, a total of 16 oceanographic cruises covering the main oceanographic conditions were carried out between April 2004 and January 2005. In addition, a 2D carbon budget, including extraction from Mussel Culture and fisheries activities, is proposed. The pelagic system was net autotrophic during the spring and summer periods and autotrophic or almost in balance during autumn and winter. Vertical fluxes of organic carbon were higher than net community production (NCP) during autumn and winter periods, probably due to resuspension processes and inputs of organic matter from continental runoff. Benthic mineralization is an important process in the Ria de Vigo, which gains significance during autumn and winter when benthic respiration accounts for 40% and 45% of the total respiration, respectively. The Ria de Vigo is net autotrophic on annual basis (317 ± 113 g C m −2 yr −1 ) even though the benthic metabolism reduces the NCP by 23%. Total annual carbon seafood harvest amounted 3% of the net ecosystem metabolism and it is dominated by Mussel Culture (89%). However, based on mean energy transfer efficiency between trophic levels of 10%, it is estimated that Mussel Culture and reported fish catches require up to 38% of the NCP. The organic carbon produced in situ at the Ria de Vigo and available for export to the adjacent shelf or to be buried in the sediment represents ¼ of the gross primary production and it is favoured during summer upwelling.
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feedback between physiological activity of mytilus galloprovincialis and biogeochemistry of the water column
Marine Ecology Progress Series, 2013Co-Authors: Diana Zuniga, Uxio Labarta, M Frojan, F G Figueiras, F Alonsoperez, Carmen G Castro, Isabel Fuentessantos, M J FernandezreirizAbstract:We investigated the filter-feeding behaviour of individual Mytilus galloprovincialis Lmk in the Ria de Vigo (Galicia, northwest Iberian Peninsula) in order to assess changes in water column biogeochemistry due to Mussel Culture and the effect of seston organic content on Mussel physiological rates. The study was carried out during 1 yr under different oceanographic scenarios by comparing data from a station located in a raft area (RaS) and from a reference site (ReS) with no direct effects of rafting Culture activities. Results showed differences between stations in water column nutrient contents, mainly in ammonium levels, with a mean annual excess of 40% at RaS due to Mussel feeding activities. We also observed a pronounced deficit of particulate matter at RaS, both in terms of chlorophyll a (chl a, �33%) and microbial plankton carbon (�34%), reflecting preferential grazing of Mussels on living plankton carbon. Our investigation of the seston organic compound revealed that feeding and digestion of M. galloprovincialis are highly dependent on the quality of the organic composition of the available food. Mussel organic ingestion rate and absorption efficiency were more strongly correlated with microbial plankton carbon contents than with particulate organic carbon and chl a, illustrating the importance of considering not only auto- trophic but also heterotrophic microbial plankton carbon as high-quality food for Mussels in the Ria de Vigo.
Caroline Fontaine - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Blue Mussel (Mytilus edulis) bouchot Culture in Mont-St Michel Bay: potential mitigation effects on climate change and eutrophication
International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2018Co-Authors: Joel Aubin, Myriam Callier, Caroline Fontaine, E Roque D'orbcastelAbstract:Bivalve production is an important aquaCulture activity worldwide, but few environmental assessments have focused on it. In particular, bivalves' ability to extract nutrients from the environment by intensely filtering water and producing a shell must be considered in the environmental assessment. LCA of blue Mussel bouchot Culture (grown out on wood pilings) in Mont Saint-Michel Bay (France) was performed to identify its impact hotspots. The chemical composition of Mussel flesh and shell was analyzed to accurately identify potential positive effects on eutrophication and climate change. The fate of Mussel shells after consumption was also considered. Its potential as a carbon-sink is influenced by assumptions made about the carbon sequestration in wooden bouchots and in the Mussel shell. The fate of the shells which depends on management of discarded Mussels and household waste plays also an important role. Its carbon-sink potential barely compensates the climate change impact induced by the use of fuel used for on-site transportation. The export of N and P in Mussel flesh slightly decreases potential eutrophication. Environmental impacts of blue Mussel Culture are determined by the location of production and Mussel yields, which are influenced by marine currents and the distance to on-shore technical base. Bouchot Mussel Culture has low environmental impacts compared to livestock systems, but the overall environmental performances depend on farming practices and the amount of fuel used. Changes to the surrounding ecosystem induced by high Mussel density must be considered in future LCA studies.
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Blue Mussel (Mytilus edulis) bouchot Culture in Mont-St Michel Bay: potential mitigation effects on climate change and eutrophication
The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2017Co-Authors: Joel Aubin, Myriam Callier, Caroline Fontaine, Emmanuelle Roque D’orbcastelAbstract:PurposeBivalve production is an important aquaCulture activity worldwide, but few environmental assessments have focused on it. In particular, bivalves’ ability to extract nutrients from the environment by intensely filtering water and producing a shell must be considered in the environmental assessment.MethodsLCA of blue Mussel bouchot Culture (grown out on wood pilings) in Mont Saint-Michel Bay (France) was performed to identify its impact hotspots. The chemical composition of Mussel flesh and shell was analyzed to accurately identify potential positive effects on eutrophication and climate change. The fate of Mussel shells after consumption was also considered.Results and discussionIts potential as a carbon-sink is influenced by assumptions made about the carbon sequestration in wooden bouchots and in the Mussel shell. The fate of the shells which depends on management of discarded Mussels and household waste plays also an important role. Its carbon-sink potential barely compensates the climate change impact induced by the use of fuel used for on-site transportation. The export of N and P in Mussel flesh slightly decreases potential eutrophication. Environmental impacts of blue Mussel Culture are determined by the location of production and Mussel yields, which are influenced by marine currents and the distance to on-shore technical base.ConclusionsBouchot Mussel Culture has low environmental impacts compared to livestock systems, but the overall environmental performances depend on farming practices and the amount of fuel used. Changes to the surrounding ecosystem induced by high Mussel density must be considered in future LCA studies.
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environmental impacts of producing bouchot Mussels in mont saint michel bay france using lca with emphasis on potential climate change and eutrophication
Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Life Cycle Assessment in the Agri-Food Sector (LCA Food 2014) San Francisco California USA 8-10 Oct, 2014Co-Authors: Joel Aubin, Caroline Fontaine, R Schenck, D HuizenAbstract:LCA of bouchot blue Mussel Culture in Mont Saint-Michel Bay (France) was performed to identify impact hotspots of the activity. To better characterize potential positive effects on eutrophication and climate change, the chemical composition of the flesh and shell was analyzed. A small but potential mitigating effect on eutrophication was observed, reaching 1 kg PO4-eq. per tonne of “ready-to-cook” Mussels. The potential carbon sink effect is influenced by hypotheses about the wooden stakes of the bouchots and about the fate of the shells, associated to the management of discarded Mussel and of the household waste. This effect barely compensates the climate change due to the use of fuel for on-site transportation. In addition, environmental impacts of blue Mussel Culture depend on its production location, as a function of Mussel yields due to the marine currents combined with the distance to on-shore infrastructure.
