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Reducing the economic impact of an invasive bivalve, Mytilopsis leucophaeata, in the harbour of Antwerp (poster)
Verween, A.; Degraer, S.; Vincx, M. (2002). Reducing the economic impact of an invasive bivalve, Mytilopsis leucophaeata, in the harbour of Antwerp (poster), in: Mees, J. et al. (Ed.) VLIZ Young Scientists' Day, Brugge, Belgium 13 March 2002: book of abstracts. VLIZ Special Publication, 7: pp. 53
In: Mees, J.; Seys, J. (Ed.) (2002). VLIZ Young Scientists' Day, Brugge, Belgium 13 March 2002: book of abstracts. VLIZ Special Publication, 7. Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee: Oostende. VI, 57 pp.
In: VLIZ Special Publication. Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee (VLIZ): Oostende. ISSN 1377-0950
Available in  Authors 
    Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee: Open access 237085 [ download pdf ]
Document type: Summary
Keywords
    Bivalvia [WoRMS]; Mytilopsis leucophaeata (Conrad, 1831) [WoRMS]
    Belgium, Zeeschelde, Antwerp Harbour [Marine Regions]
    Marine/Coastal
Authors  Top 
  • Verween, A.
  • Degraer, S.
  • Vincx, M.
Abstract
    Any surface exposed to untreated water provides an opportunity for the settlement and subsequent growth of organisms. The cooling water conduits of a power station provides an ideal habitat for such species. Given these perfect conditions, settlement occurs readily and growth can be rapid until it begins to interfere with the operational systems and finally leads to their failure. This phenomenon is known as bio-fouling. Worldwide, mussels cause serious problems in cooling water conduits. Because of the great economical damage, caused by these fouling-organisms, biocides are being used to control them. To use these chemicals properly, knowledge of the lifecycle of these organisms is indispensable and monitoring is necessary. Using the Scheldt water as cooling water, a lot of companies in the harbour of Antwerp have problems with fouling organisms. In this research, Mytilopsis leucophaeata, the brackish water mussel, will be used as modelspecies for the study of biofouling control. The problems and possible solutions will be examined at the site of BASF, Antwerp.The objective of the project is to achieve an efficient and rational use of biocides to control bio-fouling caused by M. leucophaeata and as such minimise their harm in the environment and in the cooling water conduits.This objective is divided in four aspects:1. Population dynamics of M. leucophaeataWeekly sampling of the incoming cooling water gives us a reliable view on the population dynamics of M. leucophaeata. 2. Development of an 'early warning system' Knowledge about the population dynamics of M. leucophaeata will be used to develop an 'early warning system' to use biocides at the right time (= the fouling organisms most vulnerable stage) and in the right dosage.3. Influencing environmental factors on the lifecycle of M. leucophaeataExperimental research will test the influences of the environmental parameters on the lifecycle, possibly simplifying the prediction of or reducting the recruitment success of M. leucophaeata.4. Prediction of the recruitment success of M. leucophaeataA model will allow to (1) considerately dose biocides, dependent on the expected recruitment success and (2) if possible, reduce the recruitment success of M. leucophaeata by manipulation of the relevant environmental factors of the incoming cooling water.
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