Mussels, the Biological Remedy for the Port of Palma
Mussels, the Biological Remedy for the Port of Palma
Mussels Reach Palma as a Bioremediation Technique That Succeeded in New York
The port of the North American city was a pioneer in using this technique, through which they managed to filter bacteria, hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and microplastics.
Now it is the Balearic Port Authority (APB) taking the step toward this system and presenting the project “Mussels as Bioremediators of the Waters of the Port of Palma.” The study, carried out by the Balearic Oceanographic Center and led by Dr. Salud Deudero, aims to demonstrate how mussels, due to their high tolerance to adverse conditions, can be used “as a natural system to improve environmental quality.” This research stems from concern over the water conditions in the port area, as there are no currents or tides, and therefore, no natural water renewal.
With logistical support from Astilleros de Mallorca, the research team has placed three cages in the port (two at Astilleros de Mallorca and one at Lonja Marina Charter), each containing around 30 of these Menorcan mollusks, and another outside the port to compare the differences. According to APB sources, this method is not costly since the mussels were supplied by shellfish harvesters from Menorca, and the system does not involve high complexity. Moreover, being of Menorcan origin, they adapt easily and pose no risk of introducing invasive species.
After three months, the researchers will evaluate the viability of this project to determine whether the method could be applied in other ports managed by the APB. These filter-feeding animals, already known for their usefulness as bioindicators of pollution, can filter about two liters of water per hour. The filtering efficiency varies depending on the temperature, so the rate decreases in warmer conditions, as explained by Salud Deudero. According to the scientists’ initial estimates, around 4,000 meters of mussel rope could filter all the water in the Port of Palma every three months.
Not Suitable for Consumption
According to experts, the mussels will be able to continue their life cycle normally, as they used to be common in port waters. The pollutants found in them will be recovered and eliminated according to current regulations. However, under no circumstances will these bivalves be distributed for consumption.
Diego Colón Carvajal, CEO of Astilleros de Mallorca, expressed hope that “this project will be the beginning of a future self-cleaning system based on mollusks that work for us.” Meanwhile, Francesc Antich, president of the APB, emphasized the importance of it being a “public-private collaboration proposal” and “a commitment to research and innovation by the oceanographic institute.”