A Sunbury resident is gathering mussel power to clean Jacksons Creek.
Robert Irvine is trying to get a research project approved with Melbourne Water, Greater Western Water and Arthur Rylah Institute, using the concept that native freshwater mussels purify water.
According to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment freshwater mussels live on the bottom of streams and lakes, sometimes in dense beds containing thousands of shells.
Described by some as nature’s water purifiers, mussels can filter large volumes of water to extract their food, through removing nutrients, algae, bacteria and organic detritus.
The waste that mussels produce are then, in-turn, food for other animals, according to the NSW department.
Mr Irvine said through this project he is hoping to raise awareness for waterways and the environment.
“I have been snorkeling in Jacksons Creek and I found freshwater mussel shells,” he said. “I looked a bit further and found some alive ones.
“Mussels are extremely robust, they can… live in water from four degrees to 30 degrees.
“[I’m hoping] to find some way to use them in the water to keep Jackson Creek clean which would benefit the platypus and fish.”
NSW Department of Planning and Environment said freshwater mussels have an unusual life cycle, and can live from about 10 to 40 years.
Mr Irvine said anyone who is interested in the project can email him at Robert.irvine614@gmail.com.
Zoe Moffatt
