Two New York Sea Grant research teams have identified technologies that eliminate the zebra mussel veliger. This is enough time for the larvae to be swept through most water intake systems, prohibiting settlement and colonization on intake pipes. The researchers also found that a longer exposure of five seconds killed the veligers instantly. According to Chalker-Scott, the UV prototype is currently being used by a private company seeking to market a control device. Another project, led by New York Sea Grant researcher John Van Benschoten, examined what effects coagulants have on controlling zebra mussels.
Coagulants are chemicals that cause particles in the water to stick together and form a mass.
They found that coagulants killed veligers largely because they make water more acidic. As a result, the scientists concluded that mild acidification of water at the intake shows great potential for water utilities needing to control mussels. If too many nutrients float downstream, coastal rivers can become overly enriched or eutrophic. The result may be algal blooms, dead water zones and fish kills. While limitations on nutrient inputs are needed, scientists must first determine the sources and amounts of nutrients flowing into rivers.