ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Disinfection tools and protocols are needed to reduce the probability of transferring invasive mollusk species as hitchhikers. Applications are needed to provide rapid disinfection of recreationalequipment, boats, and tankers and other materials used in ‘re suppression. Moreover, tools are needed that are safe for hatchery and aquaculture operations. In two separate laboratory trials, we tested the lethality of elevated pH or acommonly used aquaculture disinfectant on quagga mussel (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis)veligers. We found that all reagents were effective in killing veligers. Aqueous solutions of pH 12 were created with NaOH or Ca(OH)2 and tested at 16°C and 20°C, and three aqueous concentrations of Virkon® Aquatic were tested at 20°C. We observed 100% mortality within a 10 min exposure in solutions of pH 12 prepared with Ca(OH)2 and within a30 min exposure in solutions preparedwith NaOH. We found that solutions of 5g/L of Virkon Aquatic killed all veligers within a10 min exposure. We concluded that all chemicals show promise as disinfectants, and use of Ca(OH)2 or NaOH to elevate the pH of disinfecting solutions may provide amore economical and environmentally acceptable way to disinfect large surfaces or tanks.
