A variety of molluscicides have been proposed for use in control of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha), but their effect on nontarget aquatic organisms has not been evaluated. Standard methods were adapted for assessing the toxicity of candidate molluscicides to two nontarget bivalves. Fingernail clams, Musculium transversum, and the fawnfoot mussel, Truncilla donaciformis, were selected to represent the two families of native bivalves. Test organisms were collected from pools 6 to 9 of the Upper Mississippi River near La Crosse, WI. Static acute toxicity tests were conducted for 48 hours followed by a 96-hour monitoring period in untreated water to more fully assess survival and mortality. Toxicity data were analyzed by probit analysis to give LC sub(50) values and 95% confidence limits. The same chemicals as those tested at Ohio State University were evaluated against zebra mussels. Results from these studies and those conducted at Ohio State University will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of chemicals in zebra mussel control and their potential hazard to nontarget organisms.
