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Toxicity of Potassium Chloride Compared to Sodium Chloride for Zebra Mussel Decontamination

Toxicity of Potassium Chloride Compared to Sodium Chloride for Zebra Mussel Decontamination

Eric A Davis, Wai Hing Wong, Willard N Harman

J Aquat Anim Health. 2017 Oct 5.

PMID: 28981401

Abstract:

Decontamination of watercraft and/or equipment following exposure to zebra mussels with the use of chemicals is one method of decontamination that has been recommended in the United States by multiple government agencies. The ideal chemical to be used for decontamination would be inexpensive, easily obtained, have no or limited effect on nontarget species, and relatively environmentally friendly. Two chemicals that have been tested are potassium chloride and sodium chloride. The toxicity of each chemical to both adult mussels and veliger larvae was examined. Sodium chloride was less effective at causing mortality than potassium chloride within the exposure periods tested. Adult mussels required an exposure period four times longer to experience complete mortality when exposed to sodium chloride (24 h) at a concentration of 30,000 mg/L compared to potassium chloride (6 h). At a 10,000 mg/L concentration, sodium chloride took eight times longer (96 h) to cause 100% mortality of adult mussels than potassium chloride (12 h). Veligers exposed to 1,250 mg/L of potassium choride required a 12 h exposure period to cause complete mortality while an exposure period of 18 h was required for a 10,000 mg/L concentration of sodium chloride to have the same result. To determine if potassium chloride is more advantageous as a decontamination chemical, the cost and chemical availability need to be researched. Received 30 May 2017 accepted 01 Oct 2017 revised 12 Sep 2017.

Chemicals Related in the Paper:

Catalog Number	Product Name	Structure	CAS Number	Price
AP7447407-B	Potassium chloride		7447-40-7	Price

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