Environmental Habitat Conditions Associated with Freshwater Dreissenids
Abstract
The continued spread of two invasive dreissenid bivalve species, zebra (Dreissena polymorpha) and quagga (D. bugensis) mussels, into the southwestern and western United States indicates the need for improving understanding of habitat requirements and constraints for both species. This report summarizes results from published literature and reports that describe physical and environmental characteristics often associated with dreissenids. For example, data from the studies reviewed for this report indicate that at the upper incipient lethal temperature of approx. 30 deg C, adult growth may be limited at pH of approx. 5.5-6.5, calcium concentrations of approx. 15 mg/L are required for viable populations, and the lethal lower limit of oxygen concentration is approx. 4 mg/L at 18 deg C. Developing a better understanding of how dreissenids respond to variable habitats and environments will improve our ability to anticipate potential challenges posed by the continued expanding distribution of these species in the United States.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA535120
Entities
People
- Barry S. Payne
- Mark D. Farr
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center