This study provides field evidence in support of the “parasite spillback hypothesis” that predicts a positive numerical response of native parasites to the presence of an exotic host that is competing for these parasites with native hosts.We examined the role that the exotic mollusc Dreissena polymorpha (zebra mussel) plays as the second intermediate host of the echinostomatid trematode Echinoparyphium recurvatum in Lake Naroch, Belarus. We found that due likely to the disproportionately high abundance of its novel exotic host, the metacercarial stage of this parasite has become substantially more abundant than that of other echinostomatid trematodes recorded in native molluscs. This finding suggests an increased load (the “spillback”) of E. recurvatum on native waterfowl that serve as its final hosts. The risk of aquatic birds becoming infected with this trematode via feeding on D. polymorpha was found to vary both spatially and seasonally. This risk was particularly high in the autumn at a depth of 2 m and at sites of bird gatherings.
Parasitology Research (2010) 106: 667–675

The paper includes data on species composition of chironomid larvae which were encountered in the mantle cavity of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) within 7 waterbodies in the Republic of Belarus. All were found to be free-living species commonly present in periphyton and/or benthos. A long-term study of the seasonal dynamics of these larvae in Dreissena did not reveal any typical pattern. Our data suppose that chironomids do not have an obligate association with zebra mussels and possibly enter their mantle cavity inadvertently.
International Review of Hydrobiology (2005) Volume 90, Issue 1: 42–50

http://www.scribd.com/doc/56828623/; Biological filters are an important part of the biosphere: http://b23.ru/nl78; http://sites.google.com/site/ostroumovsa/ostroumov-sa-biological-filters-are-an-important-part-of-the-biosphere--science-in-russia-2009--2-p-30-36; Ostroumov S.A. Biological filters are an important part of the biosphere // Science in Russia. 2009. No. 2, p. 30-36. English abstract with the site of the full text of the English edition of the journal with this paper that reviews the multi-year research of filter-feeders by Dr.S.Ostroumov in U.K., Russia, Ukraine, and other countries. ** Ostroumov S.A. Biological filters are an important part of the biosphere // Science in Russia. 2009. No. 2. P. 30-36. [The journal 'Science in Russia' is published by The Presidium of Russian Academy of Sciences, both in English and in Russian; Nauka Publishers, Moscow; ISSN 0869-7078. www.ras.ru, ©Russian Academy of Sciences Presidium; Editor-in-Chief: Academician Rem Petrov; among the members of the Editorial Board: President of the Russian Academy of Sciences; ex-President of the Academy; ex-President of Moscow State University; Vice-Presidents of the Academy.] BIOLOGICAL FILTERS ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE BIOSPHERE S.A.Ostroumov Abstract: Studies of ecology of living organisms lead to a more profound understanding of the intricate processes of the Earth’s biosphere functioning. The mankind is still far from establishing harmonious relations with it. However, permanently progressing destruction of natural complexes by the technogenic civilization necessitates some new revolutionary approaches to their preservation. That is why it is so important to study the relationships and interactions between living organisms. One of the most important roles in this “orchestra” is played by numerous invertebrates which filter the water and improve water quality.
Biological filters are an important part of the biosphere // Science in Russia. 2009. № 2. P. 30-36.