A Case for the Continued Study of the Golden Mussel Invasion of Brazil: Efficient Detection and Containment of Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857) Dispersion Involves Multiple Approaches and Different Actors

Abstract

The establishment of invading organisms in natural ecosystems is one of the most serious environmental issues. In Brazil, the invasive species Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857), the golden mussel, is a mollusk capable of causing major changes in water systems, generating social and economic impacts, given its biofouling capacity. Limnoperna fortunei can easily block pipes and heat exchangers in the water systems of hydroelectric power plants due to its ability to strongly adhere to the substrate using its byssus -a bundle of filaments secreted by these animals. Therefore, the early detection of this invader is essential for management actions to be immediate, in order to control population growth rate at the beginning of the invasive process, preventing this environment from serving as a source for new infestations. The implantation of a method that integrates the active monitoring of prioritized areas, laboratory techniques, including molecular biology methods, and the sharing of hydrographic data between basin managers and users for early detection of the presence of species in Brazilian waters appears as an efficient option to prevent and control invasions.

Laboratory standardization of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker 1857) detection

“…However, the forecasts of the model could be anticipated, since L. fortunei was already documented in HPP-Sobradinho(Barbosa et al, 2016). This reinforces the need for rapid and early detection of L. fortunei, combined with an e cient surveillance system (dePaula et al, 2021). A possible L. fortunei invasion in the Amazon basin has been indicated with concern and it is only a matter of time before it materializes(Ludwig et al, 2021;Petsch et al, 2021).…”

eDNA‐based detection reveals invasion risks of a biofouling bivalve in the world's largest water diversion project

“…The water diversion system connects invaded water bodies in the south with uninvaded, recipient ones in the north; specifically, the golden mussel has been found to inhibit the source reservoir (i.e., Danjiangkou Reservoir in Hubei Province) while the recipient reservoirs (e.g., Miyun Reservoir in Beijing) has no mussels reported before the project begun operation in late 2014 (Zhan et al, 2015). The designated water diversion rate is 350 m 3 /s at the canal head, supplying water resources in domestic, industrial, and agricultural (small in quantity) sectors to 19 medium‐to‐large cities and >100 counties (http://www.csnwd.com.cn/gcjs/zxgc/), involving massive water supply networks and facilities that have been demonstrated to be very sensitive to golden mussels fouling (Boltovskoy, 2015; de Paula et al, 2021; Xu et al, 2013). Therefore, the opening of the SNWDP was suggested to represent a potential “invasion highway” for L. fortunei (Zhan et al, 2015), which also poses a strong threat to the water diversion project itself (e.g., concrete erosion and pipeline clogging).…”

Ultrasonic waves for the control of Limnoperna fortunei – the golden mussel

“…This invasive species from Southeast Asia has spread to South America through ballast water of ships from China. The golden mussel's morphological characteristics and sessile nature contribute to its prolific proliferation (PAULA et al, 2021), which can cause environmental, social, and economic problems in non-native habitats (IBAMA, 2020).…”

“…The release of organic material by golden mussels affects phytoplankton and zooplankton communities, leading to loss of habitat for some fish species and other organisms (IBAMA, 2020). Hydroelectric plants and net cages are particularly affected by golden mussel fouling (PAULA et al, 2021;COSTA et al, 2012). Control strategies, such as detecting and preventing larvae in ballast water, are crucial to mitigate further contamination and proliferation of the species (SANTOS; WÜRDIG; MANSUR; 2005).…”