Performance of a Carbon Dioxide Injection System at a Navigation Lock to Control the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species

Abstract

Natural resource agencies need effective strategies to control the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) such as invasive fish, which can expand their range using rivers as hydrological pathways to access new areas. Lock and dam structures within major rivers are prospective locations to deploy techniques, such as carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) infusion into lock water, that could impede upstream AIS migration without disrupting vessel passage and lock operation. The current pesticide label for CO 2 in the United States allows injections of 100-150 mg=LCO 2 as a behavioral deterrent treatment for invasive carps. This research describes the first operationalizing and testing of a CO 2 injection and manifold distribution system at a 1,548,000-L navigation lock chamber on the Fox River near Kaukauna, Wisconsin, USA. Two chemical distribution manifolds located on the floor and wall of the chamber were independently tested to quantify mixing time, mixing homogeneity, injection efficiency, and operational power requirements under a range of operating parameters. Both manifold configurations were able to meet most performance benchmarks established during previous fish behavior studies. Certain limitations were exhibited and quantified for both manifold configurations in terms of mixing homogeneity and operational power. This research details the design and performance of CO 2 -to-water infusion systems that could be used to deter the spread of AIS at navigation pinch-points. These results may inform future CO 2 system designs and operating conditions to support natural resource management plans to limit the spread of AIS.

Movement and behavioral states of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in response to a behavioral deterrent in a navigational lock

“…C CO 2 injection system including pump equipment. Detailed information on the CO 2 delivery system is available in Zolper et al [ 55 ] …”

“…Where carps have already been introduced and established, like the Mississippi River in the United States, preventing further spread is a critical component of management plans [ 1 , 7 ]. Recent approaches focus on placing behavioral deterrents at migratory pinch points along waterways, like lock and dams, to reduce the risk of invasive fish moving upstream without interfering with lock operation and navigation [ 33 , 54 , 55 ]. However, the effectiveness of non-physical deterrents may vary because not all fish respond similarly to a given stimulus [ 8 , 15 , 33 , 53 ].…”

“…In 2019, the first large-scale delivery system for CO 2 was designed, constructed, and operated for research purposes at a navigation lock structure on the Fox River in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, USA. This project aimed to evaluate feasibility and outcomes of a CO 2 injection system built to expel carp from a lock, thereby limiting carp movement upstream during lock operation [ 55 ]. The pump injection system design required kinetic energy and forced water circulation from a series of jets to mix CO 2 throughout the water column of the lock [ 54 , 55 ].…”

“…This project aimed to evaluate feasibility and outcomes of a CO 2 injection system built to expel carp from a lock, thereby limiting carp movement upstream during lock operation [ 55 ]. The pump injection system design required kinetic energy and forced water circulation from a series of jets to mix CO 2 throughout the water column of the lock [ 54 , 55 ].…”

Respiratory acidosis and O2 supply capacity do not affect the acute temperature tolerance of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

“…Exposure to acutely elevated CO 2 can occur for a variety of reasons, for example, by moving into areas where enhanced metabolic CO 2 production has occurred ( Melzner et al., 2013 ; Baumann et al., 2015 ), as a result of upwelling events ( Feely et al., 2008 ), increased nutrient inputs, and eutrophication ( Sunda and Cai, 2012 ; Morales-Williams et al., 2021 ). Alternatively, direct inputs of CO 2 into the environment can occur from natural sources ( Hall-Spencer et al., 2008 ; Kerrison et al., 2011 ) or due to management interventions ( Suski, 2020 ; Zolper et al., 2022 ). Crucially, the absence of effects of chronic CO 2 exposure on the thermal tolerance of fish does not preclude impacts of acute CO 2 exposure on thermal tolerance as fish acutely exposed to elevated CO 2 suffer respiratory acidosis (i.e.…”