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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Nutrient and dissolved oxygen studies at OTEC sites

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6059760

In order to adequately assess the impact of artificial upwelling and other possible ecological impacts of OTEC operations on the chemistry of the water column at OTEC sites, studies were initiated at several potential sites. At most sites,hydrocasts were taken at approximately noon and midnight to a depth of about 100 m; samples were collected from about 15 depths to be analyzed for nitrates, nitrites, reactive phosphate, silicate and dissolved oxygen. At some sites, samples were analyzed for various other parameters including ammonia, total organic phosphorus and carbonate alkalinity. Preliminary data on nitrates, phosphates, silicates and dissolved oxygen from several potential sites - off Hawaii, Oahu, Peurto Rico, and the Virgin Islands - are presented and compared. Significant differences between nutrient concentrations have been found at the Caribbean and Hawaiian sites. There is also evidence of seasonal variation at the Oahu site. (LEW)

Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (USA); Florida State Univ., St. Petersburg (USA). Inst. of Oceanography; Hawaii Inst. of Marine Biology, Honolulu (USA); California State Univ., Moss Landing (USA). Moss Landing Marine Labs.; Aecos, Inc., Honolulu, HI (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
6059760
Report Number(s):
LBL-13209; CONF-810622-10; ON: DE82001331
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English