Biopesticide for Zebra Mussels to be tested in Minnesota

An experimental biological treatment for zebra and quagga mussels will be tested in a Minnesota Lake this summer, according to an Echo Press report.

Lake Darling in Douglass County, Minn., will be treated with a bacterial biopesticide called Zequanox.  The microbes in the biopesticide degrade mussel’s digestive linings, killing them.  It was initially created to clean mussels out of power plant pipes.

Sarahann Rackl, director of water technologies at Marrone Bio Innovations, said Zeqaunox is low in toxicity to humans and other animals, but it may irritate eyes and skin.

Scientists from the New York State Museum Field Research Lab, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Geological Survey, Environmental Protection Agency, will all partake in the experiment.