A comparative study on the bioturbation ability of seven freshwater snail species

An assessment of the bioturbation potential of seven freshwater snail species was made in a laboratory microcosm study. Two non-operculate species, Indoplanorbis exustus, and Racesina luteola and five operculate species, namely Pila globosa, Filopaludina bengalensis, Gabbia orcula, Melanoides tuberculata, and Brotia costula were considered for the experiment extending for a period of 28-days. Grazing, burrowing and bulldozing activities of snails on sediments bed induced changes in physicochemical properties of substratum and modulated the organic mineralization process. All seven snail species increased NH4+-N and PO43--P flux from sediment to overlying water in comparison with the control. Moreover, in snail presence modulated NOX- (NO2- -N + NO3- -N) concentrations and other parameters (DO, pH, TDS, conductivity) to the column water. Snail activity induced changes in physicochemical properties (TN, AP, OC, porosity and WHC) of sediment and modulated the organic mineralization process based on the length of the snails. The sediment texture was changed, more prominently in presence of the operculate snails than the non-operculate snails. Apparently, the operculate benthic snail F. bengalensis induced greater changes in the sediment in comparison to other snails. Nonetheless, all the snails appear to be efficient engineers in the management and habitat manipulation of the freshwater ecosystems.

Automated summary

An assessment of the bioturbation potential of seven freshwater snail species was conducted, revealing their capability to modify the physicochemical properties of sediments and affect the organic mineralization process, thus playing a significant role in the management and habitat manipulation of freshwater ecosystems.