Zebra Mussels as Environmental Invaders

Zebra Mussels are freshwater mollusks now found in the lakes and river of North America. "Biologists believe the zebra mussels were gotten in a freshwater European port in the ballast water of a ship and were later on released into the Canadian side of Lake St. Clair" (Nationalatlas. gov, 2008). The natural tendency of the mussels to recreate and its capability to attach in any marine surface or structure triggers a great deal of costly problems.

Amongst the considerable issues produced by the attributes of these mussels consist of the stopping of pipes that provide drinking and processed water to cities and cooling water to power plants (Environment News Service, 2009).

The mussels are also known to hold on to boats, bouys, docks, and other marine structures which contribute to the deterioration of and damage to these equipments. The main control mechanism for the invasion of these mollusks is physical elimination from the afflicted devices.

Physical barriers are likewise utilized. Poisons are not used due to the fact that these mussels are extremely tolerant and a great deal of other species will die, even before the mussels are impacted.

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Chemical coverings of pipelines and filtering of vital waterways are likewise consisted of in the control systems. The ongoing presence of the Zebra Mussels will surely increase the cost of maintenance of water structures that is utilized for recreation and industry. Shipment of power to homes will cost greater.

Prevention is still the best control measure communities must adopt for this particular invasion because of the tenacity of the species involved.

Since it has been established that this particular invasion occurred thru sea navigation and trade routes, it is very important to solicit international cooperation for the creation and implementation of guidelines to control the spread of the species and protect unaffected areas.

References

Environment News Service , (23, April 2009) Risk Guide Fights Back Against Costly Aquatic Invaders. Retrieved May 15, 2009, from http://www. ens-newswire. com/ens/apr2009/ 2009-04-23-091. asp Nationalatlas. gov, (8, October 2008) Zebra Mussels. Retrieved May 15, 2009, from http://nationalatlas. gov/articles/biology/a_zm. html