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Toxicity of Potassium Chloride Compared to Sodium Chloride for Zebra Mussel Decontamination
Author(s) -
Davis Eric A.,
Wong Wai Hing,
Harman Willard N.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of aquatic animal health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.507
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1548-8667
pISSN - 0899-7659
DOI - 10.1002/aah.10013
Subject(s) - veliger , dreissena , zebra mussel , human decontamination , potassium , toxicology , sodium , chloride , biology , toxicity , mussel , bivalvia , larva , chemistry , mollusca , ecology , waste management , organic chemistry , engineering
Abstract The use of chemicals to decontaminate watercraft and/or equipment after exposure to zebra mussels Dreissena polymorpha is one method of decontamination that has been recommended by multiple government agencies in the United States. The ideal chemical to be used for decontamination would be inexpensive and easily obtained, would have no or limited effect on nontarget species, and would be relatively environmentally friendly. Two chemicals that have been tested are potassium chloride ( KC l) and sodium chloride (NaCl). The toxicity of each chemical to both adult zebra mussels and veliger larvae was examined. Sodium chloride was less effective at causing mortality than KC l within the exposure periods tested. Adult mussels required a 4× longer exposure period to exhibit complete mortality when exposed to NaCl at 30,000 mg/L (24 h) compared to KC l (6 h). At 10,000 mg/L, NaCl took 8× longer (96 h) than KC l (12 h) to cause 100% mortality of adult mussels. Veligers that were exposed to KC l at 1,250 mg/L required a 12‐h exposure to attain complete mortality, while those exposed to NaCl at 10,000 mg/L required an 18‐h exposure to exhibit the same result. To determine whether KC l is more advantageous as a decontamination chemical, the cost and chemical availability must be researched.