AbstractEffects of the cationic surfactant lauryl trimethyl ammonium chloride (C12‐TMAC) on growth, reproduction, cellulolytic enzyme activity, and larval colonization of Asiatic clams (Cor‐bicula fluminea)were investigated in experimental stream mesocosms. Clams from three different populations and of two known morphotypes were evaluated for growth in two 8‐week experiments in fall 1989 and spring 1990. Growth was impaired at 185 μg TMAC per liter or greater for both seasons and was not morphotype dependent. Mortality, cellulolytic enzyme activity, and adult reproductive condition were not altered up to concentrations of 1153 μg/L. However, larval clam (ped‐iveliger) colonization was affected at concentrations of 43 μg/L. It is not known at this time to what extent the effects on pediveligers would be manifested relative to recruitment to later life stages. These findings were compared to a published safety assessment for mono‐alkyl quanternaries, of which TMAC is a member. The findings reported here do not substantially alter conclusions from previous studies; however, clams appear to be among the more sensitive taxa stud
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