What term describes the process where Zebra Mussels restrict water flow in infrastructure?
Answer
Biofouling
When zebra mussels attach themselves to man-made structures, particularly the interior surfaces of water intake pipes belonging to power plants or municipal facilities, the process is termed biofouling. These mussels colonize tightly packed layers, which severely restricts the internal diameter of the pipes. This restriction dramatically reduces flow efficiency, forces pumps to work exponentially harder, and inevitably leads to costly shutdowns required for mechanical or chemical removal procedures.
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