Is ozone an effective solution for the removal of zebra mussels on our incoming freshwater pipes?

The zebra mussel or Dreissena polymorpha, was first discovered in Lake St Clair, near Detroit Michigan in 1988. It is a freshwater invasive species that spreads rapidly, and is difficult and costly to remove. Over the past 30+ years, zebra mussels have infested waters throughout the Great Lakes and as far south as the Mississippi River. At the 10th International Aquatic Nuisance Species and Zebra Mussels Conference, the keynote speaker and Minister of Canada’s Department of Fisheries & Oceans, stated that the threat of invasive species to biodiversity is now second only to environmental degradation. In the US it is estimated that invasive aquatic species cause in excess of $120 billion in damages annually.

The removal of zebra mussels is a huge and costly operational issue for nuclear power plants and municipal water treatment facilities. Chorine was introduced in 1989 as an interim emergency solution. Mortality rate is dependent on the chlorine concentration level and exposure time. Chlorine is still used widely but is now facing tremendous opposition from environmental and health advocates. At the same time, environmentally friendly ozone is gaining momentum, as this invasive species escalates the disruption of our ecosystems and biodiversity, including the reduction of many native aquatic habitants.

Ozone has been shown to be effective in irradicating zebra mussels and their offspring spores. This prevents zebra mussels adherence to both the surface and interior of raw water pipes and reduces risk of downstream mussel growth from spores. The Ontario Power Generation (OPG), one of North America’s largest clean power producers, is currently using ozone at both their Darlington and Bruce nuclear power plants.

Since the discovery zebra mussels, a large body of research has been conducted to determine the most effective methods to control these species. Many non-physical barriers such as bubble curtains, fish pheromones or water guns are unable to block smaller invasive species like the zebra mussel; ozone’s powerful oxidizing properties may provide the additional protection needed against these kinds of aquatic invasive species.

Aclarus Ozone is currently working on a pilot project for a commercial client situated on Lake Ontario to help control zebra mussel movement and population growth. The good news is that the findings to date indicate sustainable, environmentally friendly ozone is a potentially effective and superior alternative to chlorine. Research surrounding the assessment of ozone tolerances on the life stages on non-target species as well as its effect on structural components is being conducted and reviewed as part of the process. As our knowledge and experience expands, we will keep our readers informed.

To learn how Aclarus Ozone can provide a solution to remedy your zebra mussels related water issues please contact us here.