Response of the tropical mussel modiolus philippinarum (Hanley) to heat treatment: An experimental study for antifouling application

Abstract

The results of an experimental study on the lethal and sublethal responses of mussel, Modiolus philippinarum to different temperatures (from 30°C to 43°C), are presented. One hundred percent mortality of all size groups of M. philippinarum is achieved by raising the temperature to 42°C (increment of 0.1°C/min from the ambient water temperature of 30°C) and maintaining that temperature level for about 30 min. However, significant size‐dependent variation in the response of M. philippinarum is observed at all target temperatures; large mussels show more tolerance than small mussels. At 38°C, mussels in the 7mm size group show 100% mortality after 92 min, whereas those in the 30 mm size group show 100% mortality after 140 min. Physiological activities such as filtration, foot activity and byssus thread production of mussels are significantly reduced when the temperature increased beyond 30°C. The study indicated that heat treatment has distinct advantages as an alternative to chlorination to control mussel fouling in tropical power stations, as the ambient temperatures in the tropics are closer to the upper lethal temperatures of marine life.

Key words:

• Modiolus philippinarum
• power station
• biofouling
• control measures
• heat treatment
• mortality
• sublethal activity

Notes

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