Team:Lethbridge/Applied Design



Product Design

One of the numerous benefits of VINCEnT is that it has a very broad range of applications. A growing concern for Southern Alberta is the spread of the aquatic invasive species zebra and quagga mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and D. bugensis respectively). The current methods of controlling their spread are: Zequanox®, a heat killed cell lysate of Pseudomonas fluorescens; and “potash” or potassium chloride (1). Zequanox® has only been shown to be effective in very small, sectioned-off areas of water and is also a very expensive product for wide-spread use. In order for potash application to be effective, it would have to be added to concentrations just above acceptable drinking levels (2,3). Even with these constraints, because of its relatively cheap cost potash is the prefered method for zebra and quagga mussel eradication by Alberta Environment and Parks. [HP interviews link]

Method Pros Cons
Zequanox®
  • Highly specific to Dreissena spp.
  • Not 100% effective in eradication
  • Not effective in large, open water bodies
  • Expensive
Potash
  • Cost-effective
  • 100% Dreissena spp. eradication efficiency
  • Is non-specific, being toxic to all freshwater bivalves
  • Need large quantities to be effective
  • Human health and threat to agriculture integrity
P22 PNC with FitD
  • Highly specific to Dreissena spp.
  • Need small amounts to add to be effective
  • Non-replicating therefore not infectious and easily controlled
  • More expensive and labour intensive to produce than potash