Debate Over Killing Zebra Mussels with EarthTec QZ Heats Up at Texas Tech University

What is the best way to kill zebra mussels? Students in Instructor Jamie Brazell’s Elementary Science Methods course have debated this question for the past two semesters. The Texas Tech University TechTeach instructor uses the project to teach the differences between physical, chemical and biological processes. This semester the discussion took a surprising turn.

For two days Brazell’s students argued to a standstill over a different question. Is EarthTec^® QZ a chemical or biological solution to the zebra mussel problem plaguing Texas? EarthTec QZ is a copper-based, liquid molluscicide. After hearing the arguments for both sides, Brazell reached out to the product’s manufacturer, Arkansas-based Earth Science Laboratories.

“Quite frankly, I am unsure myself,” said Brazell, “This project is my favorite of all we do, so I am glad to get the conversation going outside the classroom. We asked the company whether they could shed some light on the question. Is EarthTec QZ chemical, biological or both?”

The answer is “yes,” said ESL CEO, David Nicholas in an email to Brazell. “Biological processes are all based on chemical reactions of some sort. Like humans, zebra mussels need copper as an essential natural mineral. Unlike humans, they don’t know when to stop eating it. The copper in EarthTec QZ disrupts what is basically their liver function and they die.”

Nicholas added that such debates help bring to light deeper assumptions about the value of chemical versus biological methods. “The best way to kill zebra mussels is the one that works the most effectively with the least impact on non-target species. That’s what EarthTec QZ does, so we’re comfortable leaving the question open to interpretation.”

Earth Science Laboratories Inc. manufactures advanced water treatment products for use in commercial, municipal and recreational waters. EarthTec QZ is EPA registered and approved for killing zebra mussels in open waters and pipelines. It is NSF Certified to Standard 60 as an additive to drinking water. More information is available at earthtecqz.com.

About Earth Science Labs

Earth Science Laboratories Inc. develops advanced chemistry for diverse industries and applications. ESL’s Agriculture division creates adjuvants, micronutrients, algaecides and fungicides. The Municipal division manufactures EarthTec® and EarthTec® QZ for controlling cyanobacteria and zebra mussels in water treatment plants, reservoirs and lakes. The Recreational division manufactures PristineBlue® pool and spa care products and the high-efficiency Performance Chemicals line.