Filtration rates of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) at differing concentrations.

Abstract

Zebra mussels have been changing the waterscape of the great lakes region since they were originally introduced. They are a highly invasive species, capable of filtering large volumes of water in a relatively short time span. We wanted to see how fast zebra mussels filter nutrients out of the water in varying densities. We ran 5 different densities of zebra mussel s in lab tank conditions for 8 hour period s, testing the water for nutrients every hour . Most of the nutrients we tested showed no significant change or difference , but calcium and nitratedecreased as density increased. NH4-N conversely increased as density increased and in<;reased over time. High densities of zebra mussels can reduce the levels of calcium, which many other shell-building organisms need to survive. Howev er, high densities of zebra mussels also provide large areas of shelter for macroinvertebrates and reduce algal biomass.