Toxicity of a Traditional Molluscicide to Asian Clam Veligers

Abstract

Aquaculture and hatchery industries are in need of effective control methods to reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species, such as the Asian clam Corbicula fluminea, through aquaculture and hatchery activities. The planktonic nature of Asian clam veligers enables this life stage to enter water-based infrastructure undetected, including hatchery trucks used to stock fish. Once in hatchery trucks, veligers can disperse overland and establish in previously uninvaded habitats. As a result, there is a need to develop techniques that result in veliger mortality but do not harm fish. In September 2012, we conducted laboratory trials to determine if a molluscicide (750 mg/L potassium chloride and 25 mg/L formalin) commonly used to kill zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) veligers in hatchery trucks can also effectively kill Asian clam veligers. We exposed Asian clam veligers to this molluscicide for 1, 3, and 5 h in each of two water types: deionized water and filtered lake water. We found ,20% mortality at the 1-h exposure period and 100% mortality at both the 3-h and 5-h exposure periods, regardless of water type. This laboratory study represents an important step toward reducing the spread of Asian clams by aquaculture facilities.

Chemical Treatments on Invasive Bivalve, Corbicula fluminea

“…In a study by Layhee et al [ 48 ], a laboratory toxicity study was performed to determine if the molluscicide of 750 mg/L KCl and 25 mg/L Formalin (37% formaldehyde) used to treat zebra mussel veligers in hatcheries had similar success in Asian clams. Using this process, commonly referred to as Edward’s protocol [ 39 ], the study determined that there was a 100% mortality of Asian clam veligers after 3 and 5 h exposure times [ 48 ].…”

Evaluation of Portable Water Filtration Systems to Reduce the Transport Risk of Zebra Mussels and Asian Clams during Fish Spawning and Trap‐and‐Transfer Operations

“…; Layhee et al. ; Pucherelli et al. ), and use of these filter systems in combination with chemical treatment may reduce the likelihood of transporting invasive mussels between waterbodies when using water from an infested source.…”

Chemical Treatments on Invasive Bivalve, <em>Corbicula fluminea</em>

“…In a study by Layhee et al [48], a laboratory toxicity study was performed to determine if the molluscicide of 750 mg/L KCl and 25 mg/L Formalin (37% formaldehyde) used to treat zebra mussel veligers in hatcheries had similar success in Asian clams. Using this process, commonly referred to as the Edward's protocol [38], the study determined that there was 100% mortality of Asian clam veligers after 3-and 5-hour exposure times [48].…”

“…In a study by Layhee et al [48], a laboratory toxicity study was performed to determine if the molluscicide of 750 mg/L KCl and 25 mg/L Formalin (37% formaldehyde) used to treat zebra mussel veligers in hatcheries had similar success in Asian clams. Using this process, commonly referred to as the Edward's protocol [38], the study determined that there was 100% mortality of Asian clam veligers after 3-and 5-hour exposure times [48]. While further testing is needed to determine how this treatment effects different life stages as well as its potential for use in open-water systems, this initial study is promising that chemical treatments used in management of other invasive bivalves can successfully be used to treat Asian clams.…”