Inorganic elemental concentrations in water samples from Kentucky Lake, Clarks River and Ohio River: Possible effects on establishment of Zebra Mussel population

Every plant and animal species require optimum environmental conditions (Physico-chemical characteristics) to survive, reproduce and establish their population. Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polumorpha; Bivalvia, Dreissenidae) is an exotic and invasive mollusk that spread extensively over various rivers and lakes in the United States. However, these mussels did not reproduce and establish a population in the Kentucky Lake. The objective of this study was to explore various physical and chemical parameters including concentrations of dissolved Ca, Cu, Na, Mg, K, Mn and Zn in river waters that may be crucial for the reproduction and development of zebra mussels. Water samples were collected from selected locations in Kentucky Lake, Ohio River, Clarks River, Bee Creek and Hudson River, NY to delineate differences in physical and chemical parameters that support Zebra Mussels to reproduce and develop in the waters. Standard analytical procedures were followed including field sampling, sample preparation and analysis. Conventional parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, conductivity, turbidity were measured using HYDRO Lab equipment. Dissolved inorganic trace elements were analyzed using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometery. The temperatures in the Kentucky Lake waters ranged from 35°F to 95°F. DO (mg/L) in Kentucky Lake waters ranged from 0 to 17mg/L. The pH and conductivity in the Kentucky Lake waters ranged from 6.5 to 9.5 and 100 to 250micros/cm respectively. Turbidity in the Kentucky Lake waters ranged from 0 to 1400 NTU. In general, detectable concentrations of various inorganic elements were found in almost all samples analyzed. Elemental concentrations ranged from microg L -1 to mg L-1 in depending on analyte type and sampling locations. Among the various elements analyzed calcium contained highest concentrations (Range: 7-20 mg/L) in almost all samples from the Kentucky Lake waters, where as Ohio River water samples contained Ca concentration ranging from 21-39 mg/L. The concentration of the inorganic elements in Clarks River and Bee Creek were in the similar range to that of the Kentucky Lake water samples. Copper was barely detected/below the detection limit ( Mg > Na > K > Mn > Zn > Cu. Considering the inorganic elemental concentrations in other rivers and natural lakes, the calcium levels in Kentucky Lake waters were relatively low. Based on calcium-based invasion risk assessment report, calcium level is considered low range to enable zebra mussels to establish population in the Kentucky Lake waters.