The Effect of UV-C Exposure on Larval Survival of the Dreissenid Quagga Mussel

PLoS One. 2015 Jul 17;10(7):e0133039. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133039. eCollection 2015.

Abstract

The rapid spread of quagga mussels (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) has lead to their invasion of Lake Mead, Nevada, the largest reservoir in North America and partially responsible for providing water to millions of people in the southwest. Current strategies for mitigating the growth and spread of quagga mussels primarily include physical and chemical means of removing adults within water treatment, delivery, and hydropower facilities. In the present study, germicidal ultraviolet light (UV-C) was used to target the larval stage of wild-caught quagga mussel. The lethal effect of UV-C was evaluated at four different doses, 0.0, 13.1, 26.2, and 79.6 mJ/cm2. Tested doses were determined based on results from preliminary trials. The results demonstrate that germicidal UV-C is effective in controlling the free-swimming life history stages of larval quagga mussels.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bivalvia / radiation effects*
  • Larva
  • Nevada
  • Ultraviolet Rays* / adverse effects

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the US Bureau of Reclamation (http://www.usbr.gov/) under Agreement number R11PG80895. The funder had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. Wilmoth Statistical Consulting provided consultancy support and salary for authors [SW], who had a role in the study design, statistical analysis, and manuscript writing.