Chalker-Scott,L., J. S., J. Scalia  - Biology Department, State University College at Buffalo;  J. Titus -  General Dynamics, Electric Boat Division. 1994.   Influence of Wide-Range Ultraviolet Radiation upon Behavior and Mortality of Dreissena polymorpha.

Proceedings of The Fourth International Zebra Mussel Conference, Madison, Wisconsin, March 1994

Influence of Wide-Range Ultraviolet Radiation upon Behavior and Mortality of Dreissena polymorpha

Abstract
Our previous work with low power UV sources has demonstrated the sensitivity of Dreissena polymorpha veligers to mid-range ultraviolet radiation (UV-B); however, adults are more resistant to UV-B exposure, requiring weeks of exposure to affect mortality. These earlier studies were performed using a relatively low power UV source (Westinghouse FS40 fluorescent lamps). The current study used a xenon arc lamp (500 watt) capable of delivering much higher levels of UV radiation over a greater portion of the UV spectrum. Various life stages of D. polymorpha (veligers, post-veligers, young adults, and adults) were exposed to one of three ranges of radiation:

white light + UV-A (320-400 nm);
white light + UV-A + UV-B (280-320 nm);
and white light + UV-A + UV-B + UV-C (radiation < 280 nm).

Our purpose was two-fold: first, we determined the total fluence needed to kill the various life stages of the mussel. Secondly, we studied the behavior of individual mussels of all age classes following exposure to radiation; in other words, would ultraviolet radiation stun individuals and thereby inhibit movement and settlement?

Veliger and post-veliger larvae are extremely sensitive to even short exposures of wide-range ultraviolet. Without exception, exposed larvae ceased all swimming or crawling motions following exposure to wide-range ultraviolet and UV-B radiation.

In contrast, neither white light nor UV-A induced behavioral changes. Wide-range ultraviolet and UV-B were both effective in inducing 100% mortality in nearly every instance. Young adult and adult mussels are more resistant as their shells are opaque, yet they also can be killed if exposure periods to wide-range and UV-B radiation are long enough.

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Keywords: Industry, Prevention, Veliger, Zebra_mussel
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