Freshwater mussels are naturally occurring wastewater treatment powerhouses!
As suspension feeders, freshwater mussels capture particulates from the water column, from bacteria and phytoplankton to fine organic detritus. This filtration by mussels transfers nutrients and energy from the water column to benthic communities to promote an abundant and diverse invertebrate community, which in turn supports fish and various wildlife. Mussels filter our waterways day and night, benefiting invertebrate and fish communities -- and humans.
In this video, two small aquariums were filled with water, fine mud, and algae. One aquarium held adult Fat Mucket mussels, while the other had no mussels (only a SCUBA mask). Over 4 ½ hours, the mussels filtered the water until it was cleared.

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