The Amazon River in South America, which is the largest and one of the most recognizable rivers in the world, is under attack by an invasive species called the golden mussel from China.

The Chinese golden mussel was transported to South America on a commercial ship in the early 1990s. It quickly made the territory its new home, which in turn disturbed the biodiversity around the Amazon.

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This particular mussel is already found in five different countries. Scientists in Brazil are worried this invasive species can affect one of the most diverse biosystems in the world, the Amazon. According to Marcia Divina de Olivieira, a scientist working for the Brazilian government research facility, Embrapa, the environmental effect of this species invasion will be no doubt dramatic.

An adult golden mussel is less than in inch in size. It breeds rapidly during nine months of the year and disperses microscopic larvae clouds that will float off to a new territory via river currents. The mussels then attach themselves onto rocks and other substrates in the water. They are already threatening local clam populations.

Golden mussel have wrought havoc among South American hydroelectric and water treatment facilities in Sao Paolo and Buenos Aires. Their attack can also be compared to the invasive zebra mussels in the Great Lakes in the U.S.

Apart from destroying and blocking waterways and infrastructure, the golden mussel's most harmful effect lies on its feeding and reproduction cycle.

The mussels are filter feeders, which means they sift the water for plankton. When they multiply, they can alter the levels of phosphorous and nitrogen in the water, which is dangerous since it produces toxic algae that can kill fish and even humans.

According to Hugh MacIsaac from the University of Windsor, Canada, an expert on invasive aquatic species, thriving mussel colonies can become food for local fish and ducks but it can also destroy the local food chain of indigenous systems.

He adds it's necessary to keep this invasive species out of the Amazon because of potential consequences that can disturb and even destroy the distinct biological diversity and ecosystems surrounding the great river.

TagsAmazon River Threatened by Invasion of Golden Mussels from China, amazon river, Argentina, golden mussels, amazon river invasive species golden mussels, biodiversity threat, south america, Amazon rainforest