Applicable zebra mussel control methods include both preventive and reactive strategies. Preventive control methods include toxic construction materials, antifouling coatings, chemical treatments, thermal treatment, and mechanical filtration. Reactive control methods, those applied after infestations have been detected, consist of mechanical cleaning, high-pressure water jetting, carbon dioxide pellet blasting, freezing, and desiccation. Thermal treatment and chlorination can be used as a reactive treatment to clean a system, then preventively as regular maintenance to prevent further fouling. These options, coupled with new designs, retrofit, and prospective control techniques are reviewed in this chapter. (Table 3) lists the facility components 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 an appropriate control method include environmental and economic concerns and ease of application. Multiple control strategies may apply to a given zebra mussel infestation and the chosen strategy or strategies should be the most cost-effective, environmentally sound, and easy to apply.