Shell microstructure of the invasive zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas, 1771)

Bibliogr. s. 98-100

The freshwater clam Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas, 1771) has been fairly well characterised as a model invasive species, but certain issues related to shell biomineralisation have so far been addressed in only a few studies. This topic seems important because this mussel selectively accumulates certain heavy metals in its shell. In addition, the microstructure of the shell exhibits remarkable characteristics of an excellent biocomposite material that can be used in biomimetic research. Understanding the mechanism of biomineralisation will not only allow us to read long-term data that can be used to analyse the concentration of certain metals in the mussel’s environment, but also to use the shells of this invasive species to recover metals from water or as a tool for bioremediation. This publication introduces you to the issues related to mussel biomineralisation using the example of zebra mussel shells.