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Impact of ocean acidification on the physiology of digestive gland of razor clams Sinonovacula constricta
Summary
Razor clams were exposed to CO2-driven seawater acidification for 35 days to examine effects on digestive gland physiology. Ocean acidification did not significantly reduce growth or survival but altered digestive enzyme activities and antioxidant responses in the digestive gland, suggesting sublethal effects on nutrient processing under future ocean conditions.
Ocean acidification (OA) can have widespread implications for marine bivalves. While our current understanding of OA effects on the physiological performance is increasing, very little is known about the physiology of digestive gland of marine bivalves in response to OA. Here, we examined how the digestive system of razor clams ( Sinonovacula constricta ) responded to OA. Following 35-day exposure to CO 2 -driven seawater acidification, no significant decreases in phenotypic traits, such as dry body weight gain, specific growth rate, condition index and survival rate, as well physiological functions, such as activities of antioxidant and digestive enzymes, were observed, demonstrating the resistance of razor clams under acidified conditions. Histological results showed that some direct damages on the structure of digestive gland was observed, including degradation of digestive tubular, atrophy of epithelial cells, loose cell arrangement, even diffuse. This study provides insights into the digestive performance of marine bivalves in a rapidly acidifying ocean.