Analysis of factors inducing dislodgement of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) from steel surfaces exposed to cathodic potentials

The viability of cathodic protection for mitigating zebra mussel ( Dreissena polymorpha) fouling on submerged steel structures has yet to be systematically explored. Various cathodic potentials, with associated current densities, were applied to structural steel plates containing attached zebra mussels to determine their effect on zebra mussel detachment and mortality. Increases in current density beyond 20 μA, associated with cathodic potentials of −0.5 V to −2.0 V, caused significant detachment of zebra mussels when applied to steel plates. Zebra mussels in control tanks receiving decanted media from the treatment tanks did not experience levels of detachment comparable to that of treatment tanks suggesting that application of current was responsible for zebra mussel mitigation rather than changes in the chemical or physical properties of test media. Cathodic protection could be an environmentally sound and cost-effective method for mitigating zebra mussel fouling if applied current densities are carefully monitored.