Introduction
Invasive species can degrade an ecosystem’s natural environment and jeopardize human usage of these resources. Invasive species can wipe out native wildlife and ecosystems, diminishing biodiversity and competing for finite resources with native creatures (Kuşku 12). This research paper explores Zebra mussels as the most common invasive species in Missouri, investigating the damage created to the ecosystem and the future damage. This research also highlights how Zebra mussels were introduced in Missouri and some of the measures initiated to stop the invasion. The ecological disruption necessitates intervention to manage the invasive species.
Invasive Species in Missouri
Zebra mussels wreak havoc on indigenous species in Missouri, directly affecting the quality of the natural environment of aquatic animals. The most significant challenge associated with zebra mussels is the need to cling to a hard item for survival (Dölle and Kurzmann 13). Studies on the aquatic ecosystem in Missouri have shown that numerous indigenous mollusk species are threatened with extinction or are already endangered due to zebra mussels (Bouska et al., 347). Zebra mussels’ natural behavior interferes with the aquatic ecosystem, threatening other indigenous species’ survival (Bouska et al., 347). The species spread quickly with water flow and relocation of infested native species in water bodies.
The Introduction of Zebra Mussels in Missouri
In Missouri, the zebra mussel dominates their concurred environment as invaders that interfere with the natural setting of the aquatic life. A study on the origin of Zebra mussels in Missouri reveals that species were first detected in the late 1980s on the shores of lake Detroit (Kuşku 16). The invasive species have now migrated throughout the Mississippi and Missouri rivers (Bouska et al., 351). Originally endemic to the lakes of southern Russia and Ukraine, the species was mistakenly transferred to various other locations. The invading species have become a primary ecological concern in several nations globally.
Today, Zebra mussels are still a primary ecological concern in most of Europe and America. Zebra mussels have established a foothold in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Spain, and Sweden (Dölle and Kurzmann 13). The tiny larvae may thrive in lake water with access to hard surfaces supporting reproduction (Bouska et al., 353). Zebra mussels often invade new lakes or rivers when a boat or piping system is transferred to other aquatic environments. The spread of the Zebra mussels can cause several ecological disruptions.
The Damage Created to the Ecosystem
For instance, invasive species cause ecological disruption by monotypic proliferation and cause damage to marine life as well as water treatment and the dynamic aquatic environment. Zebra mussels have also adversely affected water treatment plants in Missouri (Kuşku 17). Research into the behavior of the invasive species revealed that the tiny larvae often enter the piping systems. Zebra mussels attach to and block pipes submerged in water (Bouska et al., 351). Zebra mussels reproduce quickly and may establish dense colonies on the body of native species, pipelines, and other submerged structures.
Future Damages
Such damages can wipe out native plants and animals, diminish biodiversity, compete for scarce resources with native creatures, and change environments. The disruption of the natural ecosystem can have a significant economic effect and fundamentally damage the quality of water and the life of the native aquatic species. Invasive species’ economic and social costs directly affect property values, farming practices, public service operations, tourism, and recreational opportunities (Dölle and Kurzmann 7). The invasive species are also associated with indirect expenses connected with management efforts (Kuşku 18). Zebra mussels can push native species to extinction and increase equipment maintenance costs in the water.
Measures Initiated to Stop Zebra Mussels Invasion
The potential adverse effects in Missouri have necessitated strategic interventions to control the spread of Zebra mussels. Two of the most common interventions for preventing invasive species include pesticides and sensitization on preventive procedures among fishers and plumbers. In Missouri, chlorine and metal-based solutions have been extensively employed to control the spread of Zebra mussels (Dölle and Kurzmann 17). The Molluscicide Zequanox is a naturally occurring aquatic pesticide demonstrated to be effective against invasive Zebra and Quagga mussels (Luoma et al., 425). The use of pesticides is complemented with proper sensitization on the need for populations interacting with infested waters to take appropriate precautions when shifting between water bodies.
Conclusion
Zebra mussels are an invasive species in Missouri that can harm the natural ecology of an ecosystem and risk human use of its resources. Zebra mussels can annihilate indigenous fauna and ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, fight for scarce resources with indigenous critters, and negatively alter the local natural environment. First detected in the late 1980s on the shores of Lake Detroit, Zebra mussel has spread to Europe and America, increasing the risk of biodiversity of the aquatic life. Some of the control measures adopted in Missouri include pesticides such as Molluscicide Zequanox and proper sensitization among fishers. The intervention efforts are necessary to avoid the chances of native species becoming extinct due to the disruption of their natural aquatic environment.
Works Cited
Bouska, Kristen, et al. “State‐Level Freshwater Mussel Programs: Current Status and a Research Framework to Aid in Mussel Management and Conservation.” Fisheries, 1, 2018, pp345-360. Web.
Dölle, Klaus, and David E. Kurzmann. “The freshwater mollusk Dreissena polymorpha (zebra mussel)-a review: living, prospects, and jeopardies.” Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology, 13, 2020, pp1-17.
Kuşku, Halit. “Biological Control of Invasive Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) in a Freshwater Ecosystem through Potamon Ibericum.” Aquatic Research, 5.1, 2022, pp11-19. Web.
Luoma, James A., et al. “Effects of Temperature and Exposure Duration on Four Potential Rapid-Response Tools for Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) Eradication.” Management of Biological Invasions 9.4, 2018, pp425. Web.