Zebra Mussel Biofouling as Function of Copper Dissolution Rate

Copper and copper alloys have proven to be highly effective in preventing zebra mussel biofouling. The present laboratory measurements reveal that the rate of copper release (mg/m2/day) from surfaces in flowing lake water is inversely proportional to the number of zebra mussels adhering to similar surfaces in Lake Erie. Data are shown for copper, copper-nickel alloys (90:10, 80:20, and 70:30), a copper-epoxy coating, and galvanic couples of copper connected to zinc or aluminum.