Tests of disinfection methods for invasive snails and zooplankton: effects of treatment methods and contaminated materials

Abstract

De Stasio BT, Acy CN, Frankel KE, Fritz GM, Lawhun SD. Tests of disinfection methods for invasive snails and zooplankton: effects of treatment methods and contaminated material. Lake Reserv Manage. 35:156–166.

The spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in lakes and reservoirs is a major issue that will grow in importance due to possible economic, environmental, and human health impacts of AIS as the number of potentially harmful invasive species continues to increase. There is a pressing need for scientific information on which procedures can effectively decontaminate and disinfect sampling gear against multiple AIS. We determined effectiveness of cleaning methods on 4 recent AIS in WI: New Zealand mud snail (NZMS; Potamopyrgus antipodarum), faucet snail (Bithynia tentaculata), spiny water flea (Bythotrephes longimanus), and bloody-red mysid shrimp (Hemimysis anomala). We tested mortality in the laboratory following total immersion and spraying procedures, as well as the effects of 5 types of materials likely to be contaminated. Freezing was effective, but not practical for large sampling equipment and boats. Desiccation did not result in 100% mortality for NZMS or faucet snail. Bleach (500 ppm) was effective on spiny water flea and bloody-red mysid, but not on either snail. Immersion in Virkon (2%) was effective on all species within 20 min. Spraying was less effective than total immersion, especially on some materials. Our results provide rigorous data for establishing practical guidelines on disinfection methods for managers, researchers, and citizen scientists battling the spread of AIS in lakes and reservoirs.

Keywords:

• Bloody-red mysid
• decontamination
• disinfection
• faucet snail
• invasive species management
• New Zealand mud snail
• spiny water flea
• Wisconsin

Acknowledgements

We thank Anna Cohen, Savanna Dahl, Anne Ela, Michaela Giampetroni, Cady Greenslit, Cherise John, Emily Kiehnau, Wayne Krueger, Kathrine Ling, Casey Merkle, Alex Poli, Zoe Psarouthakis, JoAnn Stamm, Jori Warwick, and Rachel Wilson for field and laboratory assistance. We are indebted to Christina Wolbers for the initial impetus for the project. The study benefitted greatly from consultation and advice provided by WIDNR staff (Maureen Ferry, Susan Knight, and Scott Van Egeren). We thank Ken Wagner and four anonymous reviewers for helpful suggestions for improving the article.

Additional information

Funding

Funding was provided by a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Aquatic Invasive Species Grant (AIRD-105-15), and by Lawrence University through the Excellence in Science Fund, Chester James Hill, Jr. Fund, and the Dennis and Charlot Nelson Singleton Professorship in the Biological Sciences.