Microstructure and chemical composition of vateritic deformities occuring in the bivalve Corbicula fluminea (Mueller, 1774)

Frenzel, Max and Harper, E. M. (2011) Microstructure and chemical composition of vateritic deformities occuring in the bivalve Corbicula fluminea (Mueller, 1774). Journal of Structural Biology, 174 (2). pp. 221-232. DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsb.2011.02.002

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Abstract

Vateritic deformities occurring in the invasive heterodont bivalve Corbicula fluminea from several locations in the UK were characterised in detail for the first time using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and different geochemical techniques (electron microprobe, ICP-AES, mass spectrometry). Large volumes of vaterite are produced abnormally in the animals’ shells in the form of yellow-green bulges. These are distinguished from the aragonitic parts of the shell by their characteristic microstructures, content of organic material, trace elemental composition and carbon stable isotope signatures. The most commonly observed microstructures include columnar vaterite, lamellar vaterite and different irregular structures occurring in all parts of the shell. There are indications that organic material is present largely as intracrystalline impurities or nano-scale phases and not as envelopes around microstructural units. These microstructures are novel, nothing equivalent having yet been described for other vateritic systems. Euhedral vaterite crystals also occur occasionally. The vaterite has generally higher Mg/Ca and lower Na/Ca, K/Ca than the aragonite. In addition, δ13C is also always lower. Microstructural characteristics would suggest loss of biological control probably due to physiological stress(es) inducing the switch to vaterite production. The vaterite might be stabilised by its higher content of organic material and magnesium.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	2010AREP; IA61;
Subjects:	99 - Other 03 - Mineral Sciences
Divisions:	99 - Other
Journal or Publication Title:	Journal of Structural Biology
Volume:	174
Page Range:	pp. 221-232
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsb.2011.02.002
Depositing User:	Sarah Humbert
Date Deposited:	25 Oct 2010 11:52
Last Modified:	23 Jul 2013 10:00
URI:	http://eprints.esc.cam.ac.uk/id/eprint/1953

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