Invasive Species Microwaved to Death

A quick zap in the microwave may be all that's needed to get rid of unwanted invasive species. These foreign plants and animals, such as the notorious zebra mussel (above), hitch a ride to the United States in the ballast water of merchant ships. Once here, they can devastate native organisms and infrastructure and cost taxpayers billions of dollars annually, according to the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center.

A new study, described in the June 1 issue of the American Chemical Society journal Environmental Science & Technology, tested a continuous microwave system which, much like a kitchen microwave oven, used heat to inactivate zooplankton, algae, and oyster larvae in salt water. Researchers found that a 30-second zap, followed by a 200-second holding period, removed all marine life. Scientists noted that the high heating rates, low operating costs, and effectiveness in hazy water distinguish it from conventional heating methods.

In the study, Dorin Boldor and colleagues at the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center point out that invasive species often travel in ballast tanks of international cargo ships. Ships pump sea water into the tanks for stability when a vessel leaves port with little or no cargo. They dump the water at their destination — along with zebra mussels, Asian clams and other organisms that may pose environmental risks.

-- LiveScience staff

• New Glue Derived from Clinging Mussels
• Image Gallery: Invasive Species
• Invasive Creatures Attack Like Internet Viruses

Image Credit: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service