Concrete deterioration caused by freshwater mussel Limnoperna fortunei fouling

Abstract

Similar as biofouling of Dreissena species (zebra mussels and quagga mussels) on infrastructure concrete prevalent in the USA and Europe, the freshwater mollusk Limnoperna fortunei has also caused biofouling and exhibits chemical and physical deterioration on concrete structures. Given that numerous inter-basin water diversion projects containing enormous concrete structures have been constructed in L. fortunei colonized regions, it is critical to study the concrete deterioration caused by the mussel fouling such that effective prevention strategies can be proposed. This study analysed the characteristics of concrete deterioration associated with the fouling. Analysis of the affected concrete structures indicated that the pores of different sizes increased, resulting in increased water absorption and carbonation depth, while the compressive strength of the concrete decreased as a consequence of the mussel colonization. Concentrations of aluminum, manganese and iron increased while calcium decreased in the mussel-colonized concrete. These changes are due to the physiological requirements of mussel growth and adhesion activities. L. fortunei adhesion removes the calcium from the surface of the concrete and accelerates the concrete deterioration.