Anthropogenic nutrient enrichment in estuaries induces high phytoplankton production,
contributing to coastal eutrophication. Abundant natural banks of filter feeders, such as
bivalves, in downstream areas may contribute to reducing symptoms of eutrophication by
decreasing phytoplankton biomass and amount of material subjected to microbial
regeneration. The current concern is to what extent bivalves can control water quality and
how environmental parameters can influence the filtration process and vice versa. In the …