Alternative strategies for control of golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) in industrial facilities

Abstract

There are numerous chemically based control strategies for macrofouling by bivalves within piping systems such as those that carry raw water into water treatment plants, cooling water to vital areas of power plants and industrial facilities, and fire protection water in any industry. As the use of chemicals is continuously scrutinized by regulators in many countries, alternative control strategies for macrofouling control are increasing in popularity. Nonchemical controls such as filtration, ultraviolet light, electric currents, acoustics, manipulation of water velocity, magnetic fields, turbulence, and sacrificial substrates have been tested and in some cases are being utilized for macrofouling control in industrial settings. In some cases, these alternative strategies are limited in their applicability by either plant design or quality of the raw water, but they are generally seen as more environmentally friendly as they do not result in release of chemicals when the cooling water is returned to the environment.