Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 10
The Zebra Mussel
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10.1 Introduction
The zebra mussel (
Dreissena polymorpha
) is a small bivalve mollusk native to
Europe. The mussel was first observed in North American lakes only recently. Initial
colonization may have occurred in 1986, probably from larvae discharged in ballast
water. The zebra mussel is a potentially serious pest. In high densities, it presents
major problems for both human-made structures and for the ecology of infested bod-
ies of water. One of the most harmful impacts is the colonization of intake cribs and
pipes serving water treatment plants, power generating stations, and industries. At-
tracted to swift-moving water carrying large amounts of nutrients, mussels quickly
colonize and block these intake pipes. As an efficient feeder, the zebra mussel is
capable of removing large amounts of seston from the water. A benthic (bottom
dwelling) organism, the zebra mussel effectively removes nutrients from the water
column and deposits them on the bottom of the lake, river, or estuary in which it
lives. In addition to diverting primary productivity from the plankton to the benthos,
zebra mussels may also cover substrates used by other organisms and foul sedentary
benthic organisms.
10.2 Model Development
There is concern about the long-term effects of shifting large amounts of organic
matter from the pelagic to benthic zones. Effects of these dramatic changes in water
clarity and energy distribution on invertebrate, aquatic plant, and fish communities
have yet to be determined. Therefore, let us develop a model to investigate the po-
tential impact that the introduction of zebra mussels will have on a small lake in
Northern America and forecast the potential growth of the zebra mussel in some
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This chapter is based on a project developed by Julie Sweitzer and Frederic Pieper for one of our
classes on dynamic modeling. We thank them for their contribution.
