Full Description

In addition to upsetting ecosystems andthreatening native species, zebra musselsand other nonindigenous invasive mussels createproblems for water providers by clogging screensand other system components. Sparker technologyrepresents an effective nonchemical, nonmechanicalmeans for controlling zebra mussels aswell as other biofouling species. The sparker orelectrical discharge between electrodes in waterproduces a shock wave and vapor cavity bubblethat disrupts the zebra mussel lifecycle.Although experiments had shown thatsparker pressure pulses can be used to controlzebra mussels, quantitative data on the pressurelevels needed were not known. Thisstudy was undertaken to begin the process ofunderstanding and quantifying the effects ofpressure pulses on zebra mussels at differentstages of their development. Field testsshowed that sparker pressure pulses can botheradicate existing adult zebra mussels andprevent their settlement in larval stages.Water utility managers can use the quantitativedata on pressure levels to design sparkersystems for sites with different geometriesand flow conditions. Includes 11 references, tables, figures.

Product Details

Edition: Vol. 102 - No. 4 Published: 04/01/2010 Number of Pages: 10 File Size: 1 file , 790 KB