RSPC-IEB
Remote System For The Prevention and Control of Invasive Exotic Bivalves
What is RSPC-IEB
The fundamental objective of the proposal of the Remote System for the Prevention and Control of Exotic Invasive Bivalves (RSPC-IEB) is to develop a technological procedure that allows the successful accomplishment of the phases described above, offering to the market a real solution to the problem generated by this and invasive bivalve molluscs. Another commitment of the project is to define a process that respects the environment, both for the product to be used and for its method of application.
More specifically, the RSPC-IEB project will focus on developing the solution to limit the condition caused by the golden mussel and other invasive bivalves in regulated bodies of water serving hydroelectric power plants, irrigation systems, water supply systems, etc. hydraulic infrastructures, several problems associated with the development of colonies of D. polymorpha and other invasive bivalves have been described, among them the following:
1 - The maintenance stops,
2 - The reduction of flow in colmatados tubes,
3 - Condition on cooling water inlets and their associated filters, which can lead to cessation of generators due to overheating,
4 - Increased corrosion of metallic elements (tubes) and reduction of their life cycle, or
5 Increased mechanical damage caused by the remains of leaflets circulating in the hydraulic circuit of these infrastructures
The RSPC-IEB project faces the challenge of being able to control and reduce the colonies of these invasive species of mollusks in regulated bodies of water with depths greater than 10 meters. As described above, there is no reference to any control system that operates efficiently and without causing significant environmental conditions in this scenario. The knowledge, lessons learned and technology available and applied to the project make it possible to achieve the desired results of the project.
Part of the success of the RSPC-IEB project is based on the use of Zequanox®. It is the first biological solution that allows to control the colonies of the zebra and quagga mussels, offering efficiency similar to the described chemical solutions. However, the use of Zequanox® does not produce the conditions that generate these chemical compounds in the aquatic environment, and no negative effect on other native aquatic organisms has been described. The active substance of Zequanox® is based on the presence of dead bacteria of the species Pseudomonas fluorescens. When invading mussels consume this inactive Pseudomona, at any stage of their life cycle, dysfunction of their digestive system occurs, causing their death. In 2011, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the use of Zequanox as a low-risk pesticide. As a result, Zequanox® is not subject to regulatory restrictions on product use (time of year, frequency of treatments, etc.) and has minimal monitoring and reporting as compared to chemical control methods. In addition, Zequanox® can be applied with standard equipment, practically without interruption of the normal operations, being able to follow the activity of the plants during the treatment.
What are the differences between the RSPC-IEB and the solutions already available in the market?
The ECOWATER TECHNOLOGIES Network, based on the commercialization of the RSPC-IEB detection and control system, reaches almost anywhere on the planet.
Its monitoring and operation system, utilizing satellite networks for 100% of processes, facilitates an unlimited global market. From the Control Center, the geographic divisions will be established to meet the control points according to the Strategic Business Plan, through the Ecowater Technologies Franchise Network.
The information obtained by the detection equipment located anywhere on the planet will provide the conditions for the creation of a large database describing the different cases and applications.
This information will allow the creation of real-time interactive maps, which will provide management organizations and other competent authorities with a tool to facilitate environmental and industrial decision-making.
There is currently no evidence that the market offers any effective solution to solving the problem described above, especially in water bodies with depths greater than 10 meters. Although the use of different substances and processes has been used to try to reduce the effects caused by the proliferation of these species, the results have not shown the expected efficacy and / or generated several environmental problems, for example, toxic products. Among the products and methods currently available on the market are:
1. Chlorinated compounds and other oxidizing chemical compounds. Widely employed for control of the zebra and quagga mussel. Its main disadvantage lies in its toxicity to the environment and human populations, as these are toxic products subject to stringent regulatory restrictions. On the other hand, this type of compound can also damage the hydraulic infrastructures in which it works, producing, for example, corrosion of pipes.
2. Mechanical methods. Although mechanical control methods can cause less damage to the environment and human populations, these treatments are very costly and have significant limitations, since their effect is palliative and only minimizes the problem during a not too long period.
3. Anti-fouling coatings. They are effective solutions to treat the problem in certain cases, since they are only effective in areas that allow, for example, to wash the pressure.
4 Ultraviolet light (UV). Treatment directed to the control of the larval phases of plant (veliger and trocófora), reason why is not effective to certain depths (> 5m). Your installation requires high costs.
5. Microfiltration. These are systems that require a high investment in their installation and maintenance. In addition, they are effective only in preventing the dispersal of larvae of these molluscs. Due to the high filtration pressures and the fine pore size they require, they often suffer frequent disruptions, reducing their effectiveness. As in the previous case (UV), they do not solve the problem associated with the colonies installed at certain depths. For this reason, its use is used to avoid the dispersion of species, not to treat established colonies.
