Potassium Ferrate as a Novel Anti-Biofouling Agent for Invasive Freshwater Mussels: Multi-Omics Insights and Pilot-Scale Validation

Invasive
species like freshwater mussels extensively
colonize water
distribution systems, posing a significant threat to the safety and
performance of hydraulic infrastructure. The demand for innovative
technologies that balance efficacy, environmental safety, and sustainability
for biofouling control is growing. This study explores the potential
of potassium ferrate [Fe(VI)], a green oxidant, as an effective antifouling
agent. Using Limnoperna fortunei as
a model organism, we demonstrated that Fe(VI) exerts dose-dependent
control over biofouling. Larval viability decreased by 62.48% (p < 0.05) after 1 h of exposure to 0.1 mg·L–1, while adult mussels exposed to concentrations of
0.1, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.7 mg·L– 1 for 7
days exhibited up to a 78.79% loss in byssal tensile strength. Further
analyses suggested that Fe(VI) induced oxidative stress, microbiota
dysbiosis, metabolic disruption, and downregulation of protein synthesis,
collectively impairing mussel viability. Moreover, Fe(VI) directly
oxidizes structural proteins in the byssus and enhances iron complexation
with 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) residues at the plaque interface,
leading to impaired adhesive capacity. The effectiveness, safety,
and environmental compatibility of Fe(VI) were further validated in
pilot-scale trials at an operational water treatment facility. This
study underscores the promise of Fe(VI) as a sustainable and efficient
green strategy for mitigating mussel biofouling in hydraulic systemsespecially
in water treatment facilities with stringent water quality requirements.