Seasonal variability of Mytilopsis leucophaeata larvae in the harbour of Antwerp : implications for ecologically and economically sound biofouling control
Year: 2005
Type: article
Abstract: Mytilopsis leucophaeata Conrad, 1831, the Brackish Water Mussel, is a mytiliform bivalve (Mollusca, Bivalvia, Veneroida, Dreissenidae), which produces strong byssus to attach to hard substrates. Mytilopsis leucophaeata is a typical estuarine species, and thus resistant to a wide range of oligo- to mesohaline conditions (1). The species originates from the southern coast of the U.S. to Tampico, Mexico (2). In 1835, it was first detected in Europe, in the harbour of Antwerp (3). After a period of apparent absence, M. leucophaeata is currently found along the coast of the North Sea from Germany into France and recently in Great Britain (4). Ballast water discharges from ships were identified as a major vector in the transfer of nuisance aquatic species, such as M. leucophaeata, from one area of the world to another. The fact that the species was not detected in Belgian waters over more than 50 years does not necessarily indicate the absence of M. leucophaeata along the European coast. Because of the morphological resemblance with the closely related Dreissena polymorpha, the Zebra Mussel, species-confusion may have arisen. When M. leucophaeata became an economic problem in the nineties as an important industrial fouler, attention was brought back to this relatively unknown species. Any surface exposed to untreated water provides an opportunity for the settlement and subsequent growth of organisms. Because of the high temperature and the constant supply of food and oxygen, cooling water systems are an ideal habitat for M. leucophaeata. Given these perfect conditions, settlement occurs readily and growth can be rapid until it causes fouling at the heat exchangers and the tubes in the conduits and finally leads to the failure of the operational systems. This phenomenon is known as biofouling (5). Of all organisms causing fouling in cooling systems, mussels are known to cause the most serious problems (6).
Authors: Annick Verween, Magda Vincx, Jan Mees, S. Degraer
Institution: Ghent University
Language: English
Subfield: Global and Planetary Change
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life below water
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2169898315