THE INCREASING EFFECTS OF ZEBRA MUSSELS ON WATER INSTALLATIONS IN ENGLAND |
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| Authors: | Paul Elliott PhD MA David. C. Aldridge MA PhD Geoff D. Moggridge BSc PhD Michael Chipps BSc PhD |
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| Affiliation: | Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK.;Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cambridge, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3RA, UK.;Thames Water Innovation and Development, Spencer House, Manor Farm Road, Reading, RG2 OJN. |
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| Abstract: | The zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, is a major biofouling pest of water treatment works, irrigation systems and power stations in Europe and North America. This paper documents current problems associated with zebra mussels in English waterworks. Questionnaires and manual surveys conducted between 2001 and 2003 have revealed that over 30 water treatment works in England suffer problems associated with zebra mussels. Hundreds of tonnes of mussels are being removed each year from raw water intakes, pipelines and reservoirs. Problems have increased in. the last five years, due to a spread in the range of zebra mussels around England and the cessation of chemical treatment at the intakes of many treatment facilities during the 1990s. The importance of taking control of zebra mussels into account in planning new water supply schemes is highlighted. |
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| Keywords: | Blofouling Dreissena polymorpha Water treatment works Zebra mussel |
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