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2B - Natural Stressors and Toxicants (TUP/58) Sustainable water purification using zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha): pilot study in a bird park. Weber, Anke 1, Smit, Mathijs 1, Blankendaal, Monique1, 1 TNO Environment, Energy and Process Innovation, Den Helder, North Holland, The Netherlands ABSTRACT- In eutrophic water systems with little or no circulation or water refreshment an algal bloom in combination with an unpleasant smell is frequently observed during the warm summer month. Not only natural waters face this problem but also zoological gardens and animal parks. In order to prevent these blooms, an experiment was carried out applying eco-engeneering to purify the water. But what is Eco-engineering? Eco-engineering seeks to use ecological principles in technological solutions, for example, the application of certain qualities of macro-organisms of groups of macro-organisms in solving specific (environmental) problems. This zebra mussel filter is one of these applications. Using the filtering capacity of Dreissena(zebra mussel) algae are being removed from the water-column. The pilot study was carried out in the pelican pool of the bird park Avifauna, The Netherlands. In the system the birds feed on fish and excrete into the water. The bird-do becomes mineralised and transformed into algae, zooplankton and eventually fish biomass closing the circle. However, since the pelican population of Avifauna is too big to live on natural food sources, 50 kg of fresh fish is additionally fed each day. This results in a large amount of surplus nutrients in the water, which stimulates algae blooms that transform the pond into a dirty and smelly pool. In our paper we present the results and conclusions of one season of the biological water purification method using zebra mussels. The filter is able to reduce 69% of the suspended particles making it a potent method to conquer problems of eutrophication successfully and in an ecologically responsible way that is also attractive to the public and can simultaneously be used for environmental education of the public. Key words: eutrophication, water quality, Microsystis, Dreissena |
