Radio Waves May Help Control Zebra Mussels

Low-frequency radio waves can kill zebra mussels, which cause millions of dollars in damage by clogging water intake pipes at power plants and other installations, researchers reported Tuesday at an American Chemical Society meeting. Zebra mussels in an aquarium that were exposed to very low frequency electromagnetic waves--about 60 hertz, similar to what is emitted by a power outlet--died within 40 days, according to researchers from Purdue University-Calumet in Hammond, Ind.

Though field trials still must be conducted, the technology appears promising, said chemist Matthew F. Ryan. The technique appears to be safe for fish and other aquatic life, he said. Most previous efforts to control the mussels have failed.

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Compiled by Times medical writer Thomas H. Maugh II