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Determination of Filtering Characteristics and Particulate Size Selection Between Two Species of Unionid and Zebra Mussels

Principal Investigator: Jim Luoma

Impact of UMESC Science

The results from this study will provide baseline data that may lead to the development of a targeted delivery system that reduces non-target species mortality when treating waters to control invasive mussels. These types of technologies have the potential to be used by natural resource management agencies to control invasive mussels throughout the United Sates.

Introduction

Current toxicants used to control aquatic invasive species are non-selective and applied as immersion exposures – resulting in equal exposure of native and invasive species to the toxicant. Development of a targeted delivery system which reduces non-target species exposure to the toxicant could greatly enhance selectivity and reduce effects to non-target species. Development of such delivery methodologies will require full understanding of native and invasive species  since a targeted delivery system will likely use an oral or gill adhesion delivery route.

The goal of this study is to determine if (1) if differential algal particle size selection exists between two size classes of zebra mussels Dreissena polymorpha (2-8 mm and 13-25 mm) and two species of unionid mussels, three ridge Amblema plicata and fatmucket Lampsilis siliquoidea or plain pocketbook Lampsilis cardium and (2) if differential filtration rates exist between two size classes of zebra mussels Dreissena polymorpha (2-8 mm and 13-25 mm) and two species of unionid mussels, three ridge Amblema plicata and fatmucket Lampsilis siliquoidea or plain pocketbook Lampsilis cardium. A series of exposure tests will be conducted to identify unique filtering characteristics of zebra mussels. Any unique filter characteristic identified could potentially aid in the development of a species-specific toxicant or toxicant delivery system.

Objective

Determine if differential algal particle size selection and differential filtration rates exists between two size classes of zebra mussels.