Analysis of the Elemental Composition of Gonads, Gametes and Larvae of the Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis in the Spawning Period

In this work, we studied the elemental composition of gonads, eggs, sperm and larvae of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis during spawning, when the contents of biologically active compounds and minerals are maximal. A comparative analysis of the contents showed that the elements are involved in the mussel gametogenesis in different pathways. There were significant differences in the contents of Li, B, Mg, Si, P, K, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, Ge, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Mo, Pd, Sn, I, Ba and Ce in male and female gonads before and after spawning, gametes and larvae of mussels. It is likely that some of the listed elements are not only passively accumulated in the mollusk body, but are also essential, being directly involved in the reproduction process. Most of significant differences in the element contents were found between eggs and larvae and between male gonads before spawning and sperm. By spawning, mussel gonads accumulated mainly p- and d-elements, apparently due to the ability of their ions to form complexes and, consequently, to be included in the structure of enzymes. The contents of B, Mg, Si, P, K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Sr and Ba in male and female gonads, gametes and larvae were an order or several orders of magnitude higher than those of other elements. The contents of Ca, Fe, Sr, Sn and I in mussel larvae were significantly higher than in gonads and gametes. Sn is a technological hydropollutant, and thus, larvae can serve as a bioindicator of the aquatic environment pollution with this element. The data obtained are of practical interest for improving the biotechnology of reproduction of marine hydrobionts and obtaining functional products based on them, which is important for the optimization of aquaculture management and for addressing human health-related issues.