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Matthew J. Meulemans

Publications and source records attributed to Matthew J. Meulemans.

10 recordsLinked to original sources
USGS2026

Open water control of invasive mussels using benthic mats—Part 1, short-term infusion of carbon dioxide under a mat

This study compared the efficacy of a benthic mat alone with carbon dioxide infusion under a mat for killing Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas, 1771) (zebra mussel). Three sites were selected in Loon Lake, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Benzie County, Michigan, for replication of reference, benthic mat, and carbon dioxide mat treatments. Within a site, three 4-meter (m) x 4-m plots were delineated for each treatment and a reference. Pretreatment samples were collected to estimate zebra mussel density and macroinvertebrate community composition in reference plots. Zebra mussels (about 360) from outside of the treatment plots were caged and placed in the plots before treatment. Benthic mats (4.25 m x 4.25 m; polyethylene with a vinyl coating) were anchored on the lake bottom with sandbags and weights. Carbon dioxide was infused under a mat of the same material to a maximum of 200 milligrams per liter (mg/L; pH=6.13) every 2–4 hours, for about 12 hours. Benthic and carbon dioxide mats were deployed for 5 days. One day after mat removal, we assessed mortality of resident and sentinel caged zebra mussels and macroinvertebrate community abundance and diversity in each plot. Average pH (as a proxy for carbon dioxide) under the carbon dioxide mats was between 6.38 and 6.80, equivalent to 170.5 and 103.0 mg/L carbon dioxide, respectively. In the posttreatment survey, few zebra mussels were observed in the benthic mat and carbon dioxide treatment plots compared to the reference plots; survival was lowest in the carbon dioxide plots. Mortality of sentinel caged mussels was greater than 80 percent in carbon dioxide treatments compared to mean mortalities of 20.6 percent and 12.7 percent in the benthic mat and reference plots, respectively. Macroinvertebrate community total abundance was lower in both mat treatments compared to reference plots, but diversity was comparable among all treatments. Our study demonstrated that carbon dioxide treatment near 200 mg/L could produce greater than 80-percent mortality of zebra mussels within 5 days. Refinement of the carbon dioxide mat and delivery system could increase spatial coverage of the treatment and broaden its use to other habitats.

Michigan↗
USGS2025

Using bioavailability modeling to refine copper treatments for zebra mussel control and better understanding risks to non-target species

Copper can be toxic to aquatic organisms at high concentrations and has been previously used successfully to control zebra mussels ( Dreissena polymorpha ). Because copper’s toxicity changes with water chemistry, using the same copper concentration in different waterbodies could yield different outcomes. We demonstrate how measuring water chemistry parameters and using the Biotic Ligand Model (BLM) and multiple linear regression (MLR) models can predict a suitable, site-specific copper concentration for management. We exposed zebra mussel adults and non-target organisms to varying concentrations of copper over 10 d in a mobile laboratory. We found that one non-target species, Daphnia magna , had a 50% chance of survival at 9.50 µg Cu/L (i.e., the 50% lethal concentration, LC 50 ), within our BLM-predicted range of 3.38–16.95 µg Cu/L LC 50 values. In the future, managers could make similar predictions and tailor their copper concentrations to their management goals. We also measured zebra mussel larvae mortality at copper concentrations ranging from 0 to 191 µg Cu/L. While those results were inconclusive, we present the results of this work as a foundation for future projects. Our study underscores the importance of developing site-specific copper concentration recommendations and demonstrates the potential utility of the BLM and MLR approaches for informing those recommendations.

Minnesota↗
USGS2025

Carbon dioxide infusion reduces invasive mussel biofouling (quagga mussel; Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) in raw water systems

The efficacy of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) to reduce biofouling by quagga mussels ( Dreissena rostriformis bugensis ) in raw water systems was investigated. Experiments were conducted in a mobile laboratory located at Bureau of Reclamation Davis Dam Hydropower Facility and supplied with raw water from Lake Mohave, a reservoir of the Colorado River, USA. Incoming water was split between five chambers, each infused with CO 2 at a different rate. Raw reservoir water containing quagga larvae (veligers) was mixed with CO 2 chamber outflows and delivered to tanks containing settlement plates. Two experiments were conducted. Experiment 1 tested continuous infusion at target concentrations of 30, 45, 60, 75, and 100 mg L -1 dCO 2 (dissolved CO 2 ). Experiment 2 evaluated intermittent infusion schedules: 24 h on/off with 50, 75, and 100 mg L -1 dCO 2 and 24 h once/week with 100 mg L -1 dCO 2 . In Experiment 1, the percent settlement decreased with mean CO 2 concentration, ranging from 5.0% to < 0.1% in 28.7 and 92.2 mg L -1 dCO 2 , respectively. In Experiment 2, the efficacy of 24 h on/off at dCO 2 > 72.2 mg L -1 was similar to continuous treatment. The least effective treatment was 24 h once weekly at 95 mg L -1 dCO 2 . These results demonstrate that CO 2 treatment may reduce mussel biofouling in raw water systems.

Arizona, Nevada↗
USGS2024

Carbon dioxide toxicity to zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) is dependent on water chemistry

Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) is gaining interest as a tool to combat aquatic invasive species, including zebra mussels ( Dreissena polymorpha ). However, the effects of water chemistry on CO 2 efficacy are not well described. We conducted five trials in which we exposed adult zebra mussels to a range of CO 2 in water with adjusted total hardness and specific conductance. We compared dose–responses and found differences in lethal concentration to 50% of organisms (LC50) estimates ranging from 108.3 to 179.3 mg/L CO 2 and lethal concentration to 90% of organisms (LC90) estimates ranging from 163.7 to 216.6 mg/L CO 2 . We modeled LC50 and LC90 estimates with measured water chemistry variables from the trials. We found sodium (Na + ) concentration to have the strongest correlation to changes in the LC50 and specific conductance to have the strongest correlation to changes in the LC90. Our results identify water chemistry as an important factor in considering efficacious CO 2 concentrations for zebra mussel control. Additional research into the physiological responses of zebra mussels exposed to CO 2 may be warranted to further explain mode of action and reported selectivity. Further study could likely develop a robust and relevant model to refine CO 2 applications for a wider range of water chemistries. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1–8. Published 2024. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry↗
USGS2024

Characterizing the movement patterns of host fish, Hiodon spp., for Spectaclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta) in the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway (SACN)

The goal of this project is to assist recovery of Spectaclecase through increased understanding of the movement of their host fish (Hiodon spp.) within the SACN and adjacent Mississippi River. Our specific objectives are to: (1) evaluate the most suitable methods for tracking movement of Hiodon spp. and (2) characterize the temporal and spatial movements of Hiodon spp. within the SACN and downstream into the Mississippi River.

Minnesota, Wisconsin↗
USGS2023

Review and development of best practices for toxicity tests with dreissenid mussels

Since their introduction to North America in the 1980s, research to develop effective control tools for invasive mussels ( Dreissena polymorpha and D. rostriformis bugensis ) has been ongoing across various research institutions using a range of testing methods. Inconsistencies in experimental methods and reporting present challenges for comparing data, repeating experiments, and applying results. The Invasive Mussel Collaborative established the Toxicity Testing Work Group (TTWG) in 2019 to identify “best practices” and guide development of a standard framework for dreissenid mussel toxicity testing protocols. We reviewed the literature related to laboratory-based dreissenid mussel toxicity tests and determined the degree to which standard guidelines have been used and their applicability to dreissenid mussel testing. We extracted detailed methodology from 99 studies from the peer-reviewed and gray literature and conducted a separate analysis for studies using presettlement and postsettlement mussels. We identified specific components of methods and approaches that could be refined or standardized for dreissenid mussels. These components included species identification, collection methods, size/age class distinction, maintenance practices, testing criteria, sample size, response measures, reporting parameters, exposure methods, and mortality criteria. We consulted experts in the field of aquatic toxicology and dreissenid mussel biology on our proposed. The final recommendations contained in the present review are based on published standard guidelines, methods reported in the published and gray literature, and the expertise of TTWG members and an external panel. In addition, our review identifies research needs for dreissenid mussel testing including improved methods for early–life stage testing, comparative data on life stages and between dreissenid mussel species, inclusion of a reference toxicant, and additional testing of nontarget species (i.e., other aquatic organisms). Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1649–1666. © 2023 His Majesty the King in Right of Canada. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry↗
USGS2021

Concentration addition and independent action assessments of the binary mixtures of four toxicants on zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) mortality

Researchers most often focus on individual toxicants when identifying effective chemical control agents for aquatic invasive species; however, toxicant mixtures may elicit synergistic effects. Synergistic effects may decrease required concentrations and shorten exposure durations for treatments. We investigated four toxicants (EarthTec QZ, Clam-Trol CT-2, niclosamide, and potassium chloride) that have been considered to control invasive zebra mussels ( Dreissena polymorpha Pallas, 1771). We determined the toxicity of binary mixtures for five different mixture ratios to adult mussels. We compared our observations to predictions made with concentration addition and independent action paradigms, as based on the dose-response relationships of each individual toxicant. We calculated the model deviation ratio for each combination at the LC 50 and LC 90 and identified three possible interactions: synergy, antagonism, and additivity. We found that mixtures of niclosamide and Clam-Trol CT-2 were the most synergistic while mixtures that included potassium chloride were largely additive to antagonistic. The use of synergistic combinations has potential to decrease the overall volume and concentration of individual toxicants required for dreissenid mussel treatments, thereby decreasing cost.

Aquatic Toxicology↗
USGS2021

Use of carbon dioxide to prevent zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) settlement and effects on native mussels (Order Unionoida) and benthic communities

We determined the efficacy of carbon dioxide (CO2) for preventing larval (veliger) settlement of the invasive zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) and compared the response of native juvenile mussels and macroinvertebrate and periphyton communities to hypercapnia. A microcosm system of control (ambient Camb) and CO2 treatments [low PCO2 (Clow)=35,094 &micro;atm, and high PCO2 (Chigh)=66,685 &micro;atm)] was supplied with river water for 11 weeks. We measured zebra mussel settlement, juvenile native mussel (Lampsilis cardium and L. siliquoidea) growth and condition, and macroinvertebrate and periphyton community composition. Zebra mussels settled in all Camb tanks (n=4) from early July through August compared to one mussel in a CO2 treatment tank over the same period. Native mussel growth, tissue condition, and shell condition were reduced in CO2, particularly in the highest treatment. Benthic biomass (excluding zebra mussels) was similar in Camb and Clow but was reduced in Chigh. Macroinvertebrate community composition differed among treatments due to greater abundance of Chironomidae in Clow and Oligochaeata in Chigh. Periphyton abundance and richness increased in both CO2 treatments and was driven by increases in Cyanobacteria, Bacillariophyta and Chlorophyta. Our results indicate that efficacious levels of CO2 (~35,000 &micro;atm PCO2) for reducing biofouling by dreissenids are tolerable to most freshwater benthic taxa. Chronic elevated CO2 infusion (&gt;35,000 &micro;atm PCO2) may reduce native mussel growth and condition and alter benthic invertebrate and periphyton community composition. Further refinement of CO2 application strategies is needed to determine minimal effective dose and duration to prevent dreissenid settlement and minimize effects on nontarget organisms.

Management of Biological Invasions↗
USGS2021

Field evaluation of an improved solid TFM formulation for use in treating small tributary streams

A solid lampricide formulation containing 23% 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol (TFM) as the active ingredient was developed in the mid-1980s for use in small tributaries of dendritic streams during routine treatments to kill larval sea lamprey. This TFM bar formulation was designed to use a matrix of commercially prepared surfactants that would dissolve and slowly release their TFM payload over an 8–10-hour period. Although this formulation has proven useful, several matrix surfactants have been discontinued, resulting in the need to reformulate the TFM bar multiple times. Maintaining acceptable performance of the TFM bars while reformulating has been challenging. As a result, an experimental surfactant-free tableted TFM formulation was developed as a potential TFM bar replacement. Release of TFM from the tablet formulation was evaluated in four independent experimental applications made over varied substrates in three small tributaries of the Ford River (Delta County, Michigan). For each tributary, TFM release from tablets was modeled using exponential decay curves and the time required to release 25, 50, 75 and 90% of the TFM tablets was calculated. Differences in water-quality properties were detected using one-way analysis of variance tests, and post-hoc Tukey Honest Significant Difference tests were used to determine which water-quality properties differed among the trials. The influences of water temperature and water velocity on the release of TFM from the tablets has been previously reported; however, in this study substrate type also appeared to be an indicator of TFM release. In this study the performance of the TFM tablets appeared acceptable; however, it may be beneficial to conduct additional investigations to determine storage stability and handling durability as well as to identify potential challenges with mass production.

Report↗