Application of Bivalve Molluscs in the Biological Purification of Polluted Natural Waters

The role of bivalve molluscs in the biological treatment of polluted natural waters is considered. The anatomical structure and tissue composition of these hydrobionts enabling the effective filtration and purification of water from suspended pollutants are given. It is shown that molluscs simultaneously create a biogenic water circulation that mixes water masses. Water absorption and circulation within the mantle cavity provides bivalve molluscs with oxygen and food necessary for respiration, which has a substantial effect on the biogenic migration of chemical elements in aquatic ecosystems. These circumstances make it possible to design special bioreactors that can be used, together with other hydrobionts, such as algae and bacteria, for biological treatment of natural reservoirs polluted by sewage. A plan has been drawn up to conduct experiments to study the rate of filtration and purification of contaminated water by bivalve mollusks. In this regard, the use of a bioreactor with bivalve molluscs in drinking water purification systems at the first stage of water treatment is worthy of attention.