Development of a Low Toxicity Treatment for Zebra Mussels

Zebra mussels cause an estimated $5 billion in economic damages annually. They clog water intake pipes, damage water supplies, threaten native fish and aquatic species, and promote the mobilization of toxic materials into the food chain. Chlorination is presently the most common treatment for zebra mussels. However, chlorine causes many serious environmental risks, thus necessitating the development of alternative less toxic treatments. Pharmacognetics has identified a naturally occurring chemical, which effectively treats zebra mussels at concentration levels similar to those used for chlorine. There is evidence that this compound is considerably less toxic than chlorine. Pharmacognetics is seeking to develop its compound as an environmentally safe alternative to chlorine. The objectives of this Phase I project are to: (1) carry out additional bioassays to further characterize the efficacy of this compound; and (2) conduct toxicology and environmental fate studies.