Evaluation of Copper as a Control Agent for Invasive Mussels
USGS researchers are investigating novel methods for the use of copper in dreissenid mussel (zebra and quagga mussels) control. Our research includes laboratory assays and field applications with a focus on understanding influences on efficacy and quantifying nontarget impacts. Our research has been and is conducted in collaboration with academic institutions, such as the University of Minnesota’s Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center, as well as federal agencies, including the US Bureau of Reclamation, US Park Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Management Tools for Dreissenid Mussels
We have conducted numerous controlled laboratory tests on adult zebra mussels to determine the efficacy of various control tools, including copper-based molluscicides. These assays are designed to determine lethal treatments of copper to dreissenid mussels and identify factors which influence copper toxicity. USGS researchers have also developed techniques to investigate the efficacy of copper on inducing mortality in the larval life stage (veliger), an area largely lacking data.
USGS researchers conducted two large-scale treatments of natural waterbodies with multiple years of monitoring for both treatment efficacy and potential nontarget effects to the ecosystem. These experimental treatments applied copper concentrations far below the maximum allowed dose typically used to control dreissenid mussels. These low-dose copper treatments target the more sensitive larval stage of zebra mussels to prevent their development to the juvenile stage while minimizing nontarget effects. The goals of the treatments are to reduce a population as an alternative to eradication. The techniques being developed are framed within an integrated pest management paradigm for more adaptive and realistic management.
Additionally, USGS researchers are investigating refinements to treatment protocols for water conduit infrastructures. These assays have included on site projects at facilities along the Missouri River to aid in the safeguarding of our Nation’s critical infrastructures (e.g., hydropower facilities, municipal water supplies, etc.) from biofouling mollusks.
Goals:
- Determine seasonal toxicity of copper to dreissenid mussels and influential parameters.
- Refine biofouling prevention methodology to reduce costs and potential environmental impacts.
- Develop and establish veliger assays to determine toxicity of chemical agents.
USGS researchers are investigating novel methods for the use of copper in dreissenid mussel (zebra and quagga mussels) control. Our research includes laboratory assays and field applications with a focus on understanding influences on efficacy and quantifying nontarget impacts. Our research has been and is conducted in collaboration with academic institutions, such as the University of Minnesota’s Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center, as well as federal agencies, including the US Bureau of Reclamation, US Park Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Management Tools for Dreissenid Mussels
We have conducted numerous controlled laboratory tests on adult zebra mussels to determine the efficacy of various control tools, including copper-based molluscicides. These assays are designed to determine lethal treatments of copper to dreissenid mussels and identify factors which influence copper toxicity. USGS researchers have also developed techniques to investigate the efficacy of copper on inducing mortality in the larval life stage (veliger), an area largely lacking data.
USGS researchers conducted two large-scale treatments of natural waterbodies with multiple years of monitoring for both treatment efficacy and potential nontarget effects to the ecosystem. These experimental treatments applied copper concentrations far below the maximum allowed dose typically used to control dreissenid mussels. These low-dose copper treatments target the more sensitive larval stage of zebra mussels to prevent their development to the juvenile stage while minimizing nontarget effects. The goals of the treatments are to reduce a population as an alternative to eradication. The techniques being developed are framed within an integrated pest management paradigm for more adaptive and realistic management.
Additionally, USGS researchers are investigating refinements to treatment protocols for water conduit infrastructures. These assays have included on site projects at facilities along the Missouri River to aid in the safeguarding of our Nation’s critical infrastructures (e.g., hydropower facilities, municipal water supplies, etc.) from biofouling mollusks.
Goals:
- Determine seasonal toxicity of copper to dreissenid mussels and influential parameters.
- Refine biofouling prevention methodology to reduce costs and potential environmental impacts.
- Develop and establish veliger assays to determine toxicity of chemical agents.