An evaluation of two new tools for removal of Quagga mussels from water conveyance systems

Authors: Rylan Morton-Starner, David L. Ward

Year: 2014 (xlvi)

Abstract

It is well documented that quagga mussels, Dreissena bugensis, create numerous long lasting and detrimental impacts to water conveyance systems and plumbing infrastructure. Their prolific breeding and quick colonization makes controlling populations and preventing future spread difficult. Chlorine products are currently used to remove quagga mussels from infrastructure but chlorine is extremely toxic to non-target organisms and corrosive to equipment. In a controlled laboratory setting we evaluated two new treatments for suppression or eradication of adult quagga mussels. Treatments for evaluation were chosen based on their suitability for application in fish hatcheries and large water delivery or hydroelectric infrastructures, where having minimal effects on non-target organisms is desirable. Treatments of liquid ammonia (29 %) and salt (NaCl), were applied for 1-3 days at varying concentrations. Ammonia is a byproduct of fish metabolism, which natural bacteria in the environment detoxifies and salt up to 6 ppt has been demonstrated to be non-lethal to most freshwater fish. We found that 0.5 ml of ammonia (29 %) per liter of water and 6 ppt salt concentration applied for a minimum of three days resulted in less than one percent survival of adult quagga mussels.

Resumen

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