Raquel Costa

Development of Sustainable Solutions for Zebra Mussel Control Through Chemical Product Engineering

The zebra mussel is an important aquatic pest that causes great damage to freshwater-dependent indus- tries, due to biofouling. The main goal of the project discussed here is to develop improved solutions to control this species. Three approaches have been explored in an attempt to design innovative application strategies for existing bio- cides: (i) encapsulation of toxins; (ii) combination of toxins; (iii) investigation of the seasonal variation of the species tolerance to toxins. In this paper, the principles behind these approaches and the major results on each topic are pre- sented. The benefits of adopting a chemical product engineering approach in conducting this project are also discussed. Keywords zebra mussel control, chemical product engineering and design

Improved Mussel Control Through Microencapsulated BioBullets

Biofouling control is a major challenge in the operation and management of industrial cooling water systems. Several aquatic organisms are of concern in this context. Amongst them is the freshwater zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), which has been recognised as one of the world’s most important pests (Ecol Econ 52:273–288, 2005).

Improved solutions for zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) control—a chemical product engineering approach

Systematising the design of chemical products is a crucial challenge for chemical process-related companies. Recognising the need to guarantee and reinforce the professions competitiveness, the concept of chemical product engineering, (CPE) has been emerging in the vocabulary of chemical engineering. Process system engineering (PSE) thinking and tools provide a sound support to lead CPE activities. Thus, there is plenty of room for the PSE community to, identify and address research opportunities connected with CPE. n nThis paper discusses the scope of CPE, proposing a model to structure the discipline. The development of improved solutions for zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) control is used to illustrate how CPE and PSE thinking can be integrated with mutual benefits.