Mussels Depleting Oxygen in Rivers?

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From June, 1994 (update #21)

HAVANA, Ill. -- Zebra mussels may be depleting oxygen levels in the Illinois River, according to Richard Sparks, an aquatic ecologist with the Illinois Natural History Survey. Sparks reported his research findings at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. His research is also summarized in the March 4, 1994, issue of "Science." Sparks said aquatic life is stressed when oxygen levels fall to less than 5 parts per million. Levels as low as 3.2 have been found in Illinois River areas heavily infested with zebra mussels. "One of the most dramatic effects is that zebra mussels could wipe out native species of mussels and snails," Sparks said. The oxygen depletion could also lead to reductions in permitted levels of oxygen-depleting organic wastes that are dumped into the river by sewage treatment plants and other waste dischargers. Oxygen depletion has also been observed in New York's Seneca River following a major infestation by zebra mussels.

ID: 199406-9.

The Zebra Mussel Update was a 4- to 8-page quarterly national newsletter published by the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute from May 1990 through May 1997. The ZMU documented the spread of the zebra mussel -- an exotic nuisance mussel -- through North America's freshwater environments, especially the Great Lakes, and on efforts to control it.