Applicable floating plant zebra mussel control methods include both preventive and reactive strategies. Preventive control methods include antifouling coatings and thermal treatment. Reactive control methods consist of mechanical cleaning, high-pressure water jetting, carbon dioxide pellet blasting, freezing, and desiccation. Thermal treatment can be used initially as a reactive treatment to clean a system, then preventively as regular maintenance to prevent further fouling. These options, combined with prospective control methods, new designs, and retrofit, are reviewed in this chapter. (Table 5) lists the components of floating plants most susceptible to zebra mussel infestations and applicable control strategies.
Reasons for acceptance or rejection of zebra mussel control methods are varied. Criteria for selecting appropriate control methods include environmental and economic concerns and ease of application. Multiple control strategies may apply to a given zebra mussel infestation, and the strategy or strategies chosen should be the most cost-effective, environmentally sound, and easy to apply.