Radio killed the zebra mussel
Stories from Physics
for 11-14
14-16
Zebra mussels are an invasive species that have caused significant damage in the Great Lakes in the United States. Researchers have developed a new method for killing the pest that does not use poisons that can harm other species. They have found that exposing the mussels to radio waves forces the molluscs to emit minerals, such as calcium, which are essential for the maintenance of their shells, killing the creature. The radio waves were found to have lesser effects on other species of mussels, crabs and crayfish.
References
K. Leutwyler, 29th August 2001, Radio Waves Capable of Killing Off Pesky Zebra Mussels, Scientific American Website, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/radio-waves-capable-of-ki/
