1. Introduction
Filter-feeding bivalves, such as mussel, oyster and
scallop, possess highly efficient filtering mechanisms
which enable them to concentrate a large amount of
phytoplankton and other suspended particulate matter
and reject undigested organic and inorganic material as
faeces and pseudofaeces (collectively termed biodeposits).
Since faeces and pseudofaeces are voided from
bivalves as mucus-bound aggregates, they have a faster
sinking velocity than nonaggregated particles at settling
rates up to 40 times that of nonaggregated particles