Freshwater Mussels: Nature's Guardians for Safe Drinking Water in the EU

What is it about?

The research explored the use of freshwater mussels, specifically their valve gaping behavior, as a biological early warning system (BEWS) to monitor water quality in European drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs). The methodology employed high frequency noninvasive (HFNI) valvometers to detect real-time behavioral changes in mussels, which are indicative of water pollution events. Mussels were kept in tanks with a continuous water supply, and the monitoring system generated alarms and triggered automated sampling upon detection of synchronous shell closure. In Poland, the implementation of this system using Unio tumidus mussels has been applied nationwide, covering over 50 DWTPs and serving approximately ten million people. In Italy, following an oil spill incident, the DWTP of Pontelagoscuro adopted this monitoring system using Sinanodonta woodiana mussels and established lagoon basins to secure water supply during contamination events. Additionally, the Mosselmonitor system is used in Turin for similar purposes. The Dreissena-Monitor in Germany has been employed since the 1990s for surface water monitoring in major rivers.

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Photo by Alejandro Piñero Amerio on Unsplash

Photo by Alejandro Piñero Amerio on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study is important as it highlights an innovative approach to safeguarding drinking water quality within the European Union by utilizing freshwater mussels as bioindicators. Through the deployment of high frequency noninvasive (HFNI) valvometers, the research facilitates early detection of pollution events in drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs). This method offers a cost-effective and non-invasive alternative to extensive chemical analyses, addressing the issue of water contamination, which is directly linked to human health. By integrating biological early warning systems with real-time monitoring, this approach enhances the reliability and responsiveness of water supply systems, ensuring safe drinking water for millions of citizens across the EU. Key Takeaways: 1. Real-time Pollution Detection: The study showcases the use of HFNI valvometers to monitor the valve gaping behavior of freshwater mussels, providing real-time alerts for potential pollution incidents in DWTPs across several EU countries, thereby enhancing water quality monitoring. 2. Nationwide Implementation: In Poland, the research highlights that the implementation of real-time monitoring using wild Unio tumidus mussels is operational across more than 50 DWTPs, safeguarding the water supply for ten million people. 3. Adaptive Water Management: The study describes how DWTPs, such as those in Italy, employ biological early warning systems with mussels to preemptively detect contamination events, allowing for timely interventions like halting water withdrawals, thus maintaining a secure water supply during pollution crises.