Some observations concerning the effects of a power station's thermal effluent on phytoplankton dynamics

Journal Article · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1977 · J. Tenn. Acad. Sci.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7122233

Wilde, E W ^[1]; Olmsted, L L; Gnilka, A

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1. Nalco Environmental Sciences, Northbrook, IL

A limnological study of Lake Wylie Reservoir in North and South Carolina showed that phytoplankton composition and abundance were influenced by the operation of a fossil-fueled electric generating station (Plant Allen). These effects were distinctly localized and no lake-wide effect was observed. Plant Allen utilizes cooling water from one major tributary (Catawba River) to Lake Wylie and discharges it into the other major tributary (South Fork River). The upstream migration of the discharge water (plume) has a dynamic impact on the phytoplankton community of the South Fork. Substantial pulses of phytoplankton taxa characteristic of the Catawba River were detected approximately 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) upstream from the discharge point on 4 of 12 sampling dates. Retention time appeared to be a major factor influencing the phytoplankton quantities in the vicinity of the Plant Allen discharge.

• OSTI ID: 7122233
• Journal Information: J. Tenn. Acad. Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Tenn. Acad. Sci.; (United States) Vol. 52:1; ISSN JTASA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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