Zebra mussels have the ability to enter industrial facilities such as water and power plants and to seriously disrupt their operations. Because of the importance of adequate water supplies to industries, there is considerable interest in ways to prevent zebra mussel infestations. Special filters, heat treatments, and chlorine have been used to control veligers and to kill adult populations. Chemical molluscicides that have been used to control the asian clam Corbicula, as well as products developed specifically for zebra mussel control, are now available.
The purpose of this report is to list chemicals used or proposed for use as zebra mussel control products and to discuss these chemicals in relation to overall environmental safety and aquatic toxicity. Zebra mussel control chemicals include chlorine and other oxidizers and nonoxidizers that are, for the most part, commercial products.
All chemicals and molluscicides are toxic to some nontarget organisms. Some of the oxidizing chemicals are less harmful to the environment than chlorine, but are either more expensive or less effective. Some of the nonoxidizing molluscicides can be detoxified after use at facilities. Data show that the zebra mussel can be controlled, but that effects on nontarget organisms and the environment are important concerns.
Management and Control Contents
Environmental Impacts of Chemical Control
Table A - Chemical Control: A Guide to Further Information
Contaminant Issues of Oxidizing Molluscicides