Copper and copper-nickel alloys as zebra mussel antifoulants

Journal Article · Mon Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1996 · Journal of Environmental Engineering

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9372(1996)122:4(276)· OSTI ID:227867

Dormon, J M; Cottrell, C M; Allen, D G; Ackerman, J D; Spelt, J K ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Toronto, Ontario (Canada)

Copper has been used in the marine environment for decades as cladding on ships and pipes to prevent biofouling by marine mussels (Mytilus edulis L.). This motivated the present investigation into the possibility of using copper to prevent biofouling in freshwater by both zebra mussels and quagga mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and D. bugensis collectively referred to as zebra mussels). Copper and copper alloy sheet proved to be highly effective in preventing biofouling by zebra mussels over a three-year period. Further studies were conducted with copper and copper-nickel mesh (lattice of expanded metal) and screen (woven wire with a smaller hole size), which reduced the amount of copper used. Copper screen was also found to be strongly biofouling-resistant with respect to zebra mussels, while copper mesh reduced zebra mussel biofouling in comparison to controls, but did not prevent it entirely. Preliminary investigations into the mechanism of copper antifouling, using galvanic couples, indicated that the release of copper ions from the surface of the exposed metal into the surrounding water is directly or indirectly responsible for the biofouling resistance of copper.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 227867
• Journal Information: Journal of Environmental Engineering, Journal Name: Journal of Environmental Engineering Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 122; ISSN 0733-9372; ISSN JOEEDU
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

56 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
APPLIED STUDIES
COPPER
FRESH WATER
MUSSELS
NICKEL
SENSITIVITY
TOXICITY
WATER QUALITY