The sensor in the MOSSELMONITOR^® is the mussel itself.

The mussel detects the contamination and indicates its presence by showing a variation in its normal behaviour.

In the normal movement pattern of the mussel shells, the shell halves will remain open approximately 70-80% of the time, for the intake of food and oxygen. The shells only occasionally close, and re-open after only a short period of time.

The various movements, which the mussel can make as a result of differing types and levels of contamination, are as follows: 

• Keeping the shell halves closed for a certain (longer) period.

• An increased activity level, i.e. the mussel opens and closes more frequently than according to the normal behaviour pattern "flapping".

• A reduction in the average value of opening (normally 70 - 80%) over a certain period of time.

• No further movement; in fact, the shell remains open far more than the normal, maximum open position. This occurs if the mussel is no longer alive ("gaping").

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