Why mussels are important for water

Why mussels are important for water

When you think of water creatures, you first remember fish, algae or maybe crabs. Mussels are often not the first thought, they play a crucial role within the ecosystem of a water. Why this is exactly and how important mussels are really in a water for quality and balance is to be explained below.

What are mussels?

Mulles are molluscs that exist in almost all waters, be it fresh water or salt water. They are usually in two parts and have a very hard outer shell. Even if they often act as less spectacular compared to other aquatic animals, the role they play in the water is fundamentally important.

aquatic filtration

Mussels are one of the main actors when it comes to the natural filtration of water. They suck the water inside and filter organic matter, algae, detritus (dead organic substances) and even pollutants from the water. Due to the filtration through mussels, the water quality is significantly improved and cloudy water can be clarified.

food source and habitat

Mussels offer important contributions to the aquatic ecosystem both as a food source and as a habitat. Many types of fish, birds and other animals feed on mussels. In addition, a variety of small organisms such as insect larvae uses the empty mussel shells as protection and home.

mussels and biodiversity

A healthy body of water is characterized by a high biodiversity, which means that many different living things find their place there. Mussels contribute to this diversity and are important indicators for the quality of the water. If there are many and different types of mussels, this usually indicates an intact ecosystem.

mussels as ecosystem engineers

Mussels are also referred to as "ecosystem engineers". Similar to beavers that change landscapes through the construction of dams and create habitats for other species, mussels also actively help with their activities. Through their filtration activities, they influence the water quality and clarity, which in turn influence the flora and fauna.

threats to mussels

Despite its importance for the ecosystem, mussel populations are threatened worldwide. For this, anthropogenic, i.e. man -made factors, are primarily responsible for this.

water pollution

Mussels are particularly sensitive to chemical contaminants that get into the waters through industrial processes, agriculture or waste water. Since they filter pollutants directly from the water, these fabrics accumulate in the mussels and can lead to their death.

overfishing and habitat loss

Overfishing and the loss of their habitat are also large threats to shells. Muschel benches are destroyed by fishing methods that stir up the sea floor. The destruction of natural habitats, for example by the construction of dams or the diversion of rivers, leads to a further decline in mussel populations.

FAZIT

The role of mussels in waters can hardly be overestimated. They contribute significantly to water quality, offer habitats and food sources for other types and are decisive actors in terms of the biodiversity of a water. They are indispensable building blocks of the aquatic ecosystems and their protection and preservation is of central importance for the health of our waters. The recognition of their importance and the reduction of the threats caused by humans are crucial steps to protect these fascinating and important organisms.