Monitoring and Control of Macrofouling Mollusks in Fresh Water Systems

Upon its initial publication more than fifteen years ago, this book broke new ground with its comprehensive coverage of the biology and ecology, distribution and dispersal mechanisms, physiology, monitoring, negative and positive impacts, and control of aquatic invasive species of mussels, clams, and snails. Building on this foundation, the second edition of Monitoring and Control of Macrofouling Mollusks in Fresh Water Systems includes completely revised information on species such as the zebra mussel while also covering up-and-coming nuisance species such as the quagga mussel, Conrad’s false mussel, the Asian clam, and the fast-spreading golden mussel.

The Second Edition includes:

• Ten new species of mussels and snails
• International case studies on mussel fouling problems and how to cope with them
• New control and monitoring techniques
• Discussions of the latest threats and possible future scenarios

The book contains brief descriptions of the external and internal structures, examining only those features relevant to the monitoring and control of the invasive species. It discusses why the mollusks are pests, distinguishing nuisance species from native species, their habits and habitat, reproductive potential, and life cycles and population dynamics. The authors also explain how efficient dispersal mechanisms employed by the nuisance mollusks not only help them spread so rapidly to inland lakes and rivers across continents, but how they can invade virtually every part of a facility.

While many other resources contain segments of this information, none cover all areas and link them in a cohesive fashion. It is this approach that makes the understanding of potential impacts on ecosystems, industries and utilities, as well as the many human-made physical and chemical mitigants for controlling the mollusks supplied by this book so crucial for preserving the health of raw water supplies.

Renata Claudi, an environmental scientist with over 25 years of diverse business and technical experience, currently serves as a Chief Scientist for RNT Consulting Inc. Gerald L. Mackie is a Professor Emeritus at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada.