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    Demonstrating the Power of Mussels for Cleaning Pennsylvania's Waterways

    August 2024
    Union City Aquatic Conservation Center (ACC)

    The Sign of a Healthy Waterway

    Freshwater mussel communities are essential to healthy rivers and streams, and we are dedicated to restoration efforts across the state and beyond. PA waterways are home to some of North America's most endangered freshwater mussels, including the Northern Riffleshell, Clubshell, and Rayed Bean. Our biologists at the Union City Aquatic Conservation Center (ACC) are working hard to protect, conserve, and enhance these rare populations to support healthy aquatic ecosystems.  

    Take a look at the timelapse video to see for yourself freshwater mussels’ power in filtering pollutants, sediments, and algae, benefiting other aquatic species and improving overall waterway health. ACC initiatives have translocated thousands of mussels and created environments for raising new populations. Our partners, local, state and federal, are essential to the success of our projects. 

    In this demonstration, each tank is filled with 10 gallons of water, and equal parts algae and muck. See how the 15 mussels in the left tank clear the water after just 7 hours.

    Demonstrating the Power of Mussels for Cleaning Pennsylvania's Waterways

    Take a look at the timelapse video to see for yourself freshwater mussels’ power in filtering pollutants, sediments, and algae, benefiting other aquatic species and improving overall waterway health.