Grantee Research Project Results
Development of a Low Toxicity Treatment for Zebra Mussels
EPA Contract Number: 68D70019Title: Development of a Low Toxicity Treatment for Zebra Mussels
Investigators: Belson, Neil A.
Small Business: Pharmacognetics Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 1997 through March 1, 1998
Project Amount: $70,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (1997) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Watersheds , SBIR - Water and Wastewater , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
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.Supplemental Keywords:
small business, SBIR, engineering, chemistry., RFA, Scientific Discipline, Water, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Aquatic Ecosystems & Estuarine Research, Chemical Engineering, Wastewater, Environmental Chemistry, Chemistry, Aquatic Ecosystem, Biochemistry, Chemistry and Materials Science, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, Environmental Engineering, bioassessment, wastewater treatment, chlorine alternative, low toxicity treatment, alternative to chlorination, aquatic ecosystems, bioassay, aquatic ecosystem restoration, aquatic ecotoxicityProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.