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March 22, 2016

Mussels help track toxins in Puget Sound

SEATTLE (AP) — Washington state wildlife officials are shucking mussels in hopes of identifying contaminates in the Puget Sound.

KING-TV reports that volunteers last week helped shuck mussels from more than 60 locations around the sound at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's lab in Olympia.

The mussels were planted in October and left for three months. Stormwater washes over hard surfaces and into local waterways instead of soaking into the ground. It can carry pollutants such as oil, fertilizers, chemicals and pet waste into the water.

Mussels do not metabolize contaminants, so any pollution will remain in their tissue.

Biologists say the contaminates can cause major ecological issues and can help inform policy issues dealing with pollution in Puget Sound.




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