The Effects of a Thermal Discharge on the Inshore Biological Communities of Lake Michigan
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Authors
Spigarelli, S. A.
Prepejchal, W.
Issue Date
2011-04-14T17:35:42Z
Type
Technical Report
Language
en_US
Subject
Lake Michigan , Point Beach Nuclear Power Station , Benthos , Periphyton , Plankton , nutrient concentration , Thermal Discharge
Alternative Title
Abstract
The plankton, peripnyton, and benthos communities of inshore
waters were studied near the Point Beach Nuclear Power Station during 1971
to determine the biological effects of once-through cooling. These aquatic
communities are characteristically vital in the trophic system as primary
producers (periphyton and phytoplankton), consumers, and food organisms
for other animals. Alteration cf photo synthetic activity or food chain relationships
could result in detrimental impact to the local inshore ecology
near a thermal discharge. It is evident from a review of the literature that
the extent of biological impact due to thermal discharges varies tremendously
and depends upon the aquatic habitat, species compositions, and specific
operational criteria of the generating station. Although it is often possible
to demonstrate an effect on a species or functional group of organisms, it
is extremely difficult to evaluate the overall significance (impact) of that
effect on the ecology of Lake Michigan. The approach of these preliminary
studies was to search for measurable effects on the communities of local
inshore waters which would warrant future study based on the potential
significance of those effects .
Description
TABLE 1. Physical and Biological Measurements at Point Beach Nuclear Power Station.; FIG. 1.—Chlorophyll a fluorescence
of phytoplankton samples from plume
stations near Point Beach Nuclear
Power Station.; FIG. 2.—Periphyton growth at Point
Beach Nuclear Power Station during
late summer (85-day growth period)
and fall (141-day growth period).
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