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Development of a Low Toxicity Treatment for Zebra Mussels

EPA Contract Number: 68D70019
Title: Development of a Low Toxicity Treatment for Zebra Mussels
Investigators: Belson, Neil A.
Small Business: Pharmacognetics Inc.
EPA Contact: Manager, SBIR Program
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 1997 through March 1, 1998
Project Amount: $70,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (1996)
Research Category: Water and Watersheds , SBIR - Water

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. , Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Water, Scientific Discipline, RFA, Wastewater, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, Chemical Engineering, Aquatic Ecosystems & Estuarine Research, Aquatic Ecosystem, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Chemistry, Chemistry and Materials Science, wastewater treatment, alternative to chlorination, zebra mussel control, aquatic ecosystem restoration, aquatic ecotoxicity, low toxicity treatment, aquatic ecosystems, bioassessment, bioassay

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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.

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