Waterzuivering met mosselen


		Conservation & management Water purification with mussels Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are common in the Netherlands in both fresh and slightly brackish water. Mussels filter water in order to take in oxygen and food. This mechanism can also be used to purify water. Floating particles are filtered out of the water. Part of it is used as food by the mussel itself. The remaining part is excreted and sinks to the bottom. In this way, both algae and other floating particles can be removed from the water. Bureau Waardenburg conducts several studies to demonstrate the impact of zebra mussels on the water quality. In an assignment for the Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management a survey was made of the zebra mussel population in a number of large waters. During each survey the total filtering capacity of the mussel population was calculated. In this way insight was gained into the influence that zebra mussels have on the clearness of the water and the development of algae. In one of the largest lakes in the Netherlands experiments are done with mussel filters in river estuaries. Shells are dumped into the lake in order to enlarge the area suitable for zebra mussel colonization. Zebra mussels have a high tolerance for pollution with heavy metals and micro pollutants. As a result zebra mussels can be used as indicator species for the level of pollution of their habitat. An aquatic ecologist can estimate the impact of the pollution on aquatic organisms from the pollution found inside the zebra mussels. Zebra mussels constitute a significant part of the diet of aquatic birds, such as diving ducks. Bureau Waardenburg investigates the eco-toxicological risks for these birds at several locations. Bureau Waardenburg advises on the neutralization of organic and inorganic pollution and has an extensive experience in judging and monitoring the biological condition of a water system.
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