Effect of temperature on the distribution and biomass of Mytilus edulis in the Alamitos Bay area

Journal Article · Fri Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1977 · Veliger; (United States)

OSTI ID:7291014

Feldmeth, C R; Alpert, M

The cosmopolitan bivalve, Mytilus edulis Linnaeus, 1758 is abundant in bays and harbors in southern California. The purpose of the present study is to describe the distribution of this species with respect to water temperature in the Alamitos Bay area (Los Angeles County) where 4 large electrical power generating plants utilize bay water for cooling purposes and discharge the heated effluent into the lower San Gabriel River. The power plants increase sea water temperatures in the river up to 10/sup 0/C above ambient, while other water quality parameters, such as salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen concentration, appear not to be substantially changed. Although Mytilus edulis is abundant in both Alamitos Bay and the lower San Gabriel River, its abundance appears to decrease in the warmer waters near the generating plants. The following study describes to what extent high water temperature affects the presence, size, and total biomass of M. edulis communities in the Alamitos Bay area.

• Research Organization: Claremont Colleges, CA
• OSTI ID: 7291014
• Journal Information: Veliger; (United States), Journal Name: Veliger; (United States) Vol. 20:1; ISSN VLGHA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560204* -- Thermal Effects-- Invertebrates-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ABUNDANCE
ANIMAL GROWTH
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
DISTRIBUTION
ELECTRIC POWER
GROWTH
HARBORS
INVERTEBRATES
MOLLUSCS
POWER
POWER PLANTS
TEMPERATURE DISTRIBUTION
TEMPERATURE EFFECTS
THERMAL EFFLUENTS