June 2022
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1 Citation
The attachment strength, survival and relocation of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) on eight different substrates (glass, Al, Cr, Fe, galvanized-Fe, Cu, Zn, Cu-alloy) were measured. Glass substrate attracted zebra mussels, however, other materials tested were less attractive and nearly 50% of settled individuals lost attachment on Fe and Al substrates, and about 70% on Cr and galvanized Fe (gal-Fe) during the time of the experiment. The adhesion strength of mussels on different substrates decreased in the order of glass>Fe>Al>Cr>gal-Fe>Cu=Zn=Cu-alloy, with negative correlation between relocation behavior that showed an increase in the order of glass>gal-Fe>Cr>Al>Fe. All mussels were dislodged on Cu, Cu-alloy and Zn substrates by day-28. Survival of zebra mussels followed a trend with attachment strength with rates from high to low in the order of glass>Al>Fe>gal-Fe>Cr>Cu=Zn=Cu-alloy. Findings from this study provide evidence that the surface properties relevant for the adhesive conditions are influenced by the materials, and substrates made of Cu, Zn, and Cu-alloy performed best against zebra mussel adhesion, which eventually could be applied as lining material or through sheet replacement in dam lakes or hydroelectric power plants in the effort against zebra mussel infestation on underwater structures.