Comparison of Three Sodium Chloride Chemical Treatments for Adult Zebra Mussel Decontamination

Abstract

ABSTRACT Chemical treatment for the control of the spread of zebra mussels in watercraft is typically focused on the early life stages of the mussel. Adult mussels may be spread via attachment or entangling to gear that is brought on board. Sodium chloride is a chemical that has been recommended for use during some aquacultural practices as a mussel disinfectant. The effectiveness of three sodium chloride-based salts (high-grade sodium chloride, iodized table salt, and water softener salt) was examined for their use as an adult zebra mussel decontamination solution. High-grade sodium chloride and iodized table salt both caused complete mortality at 30.000 mg/l in 24 h. Water softener salt caused complete mortality at the same concentration at 48 h. Iodized table salt caused complete mortality at a lower concentration faster than the laboratory-grade sodium chloride. On the basis of the results of this study, iodized table salt may be an acceptable alternative to high-grade sodium chloride for decontaminat...