ISSN:
1573-2932
Keywords:
microalgal communities
;
photosynthesis
;
temperature
;
thermal pollution
;
tropical coast
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
Notes:
Abstract The influence of thermal discharges on thephytoplankton community from a coastal zone of theGulf of Mexico was evaluated through their structureand photosynthetic behaviour focusing on responses tochanges in light and temperature. Biological andphysicochemical parameters were measured over a periodof two years in an area with permanent hot waterdischarges from a thermoelectric plant. Thetemperature in the sampling area ranged from 23.5 to36 °C with differences between the coldest andthe hottest station from 5.3 to 9.2 °C.Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) were reducedin the discharge area water column, due to turbulence.One hundred and one different taxa were identifiedwith a strong predominance of Diatoms. The chlorophylla concentration ranged from 0.3 to 6.1 μgL-1, with highest values of thephaeophytin:chlorophyll ratio found at the hottest station.The community structure did not show significativedifferences among sampling stations with respect totemperature variations. However, in the algalassemblages influenced by thermal discharges, it waspossible to observe alterations in the photosynthesisbehaviour. Phytoplankton response to short termphotosynthesis experiments was segregated according tocomposition and origin of microalgal assemblages.Samples with larger heterogeneous composition had moreconsistent oxygen production responses. Algalcommunities exposed to hot effluent showed differentdegrees of photosynthesis rate reduction,higher light requirements (〉500 μE m2 s-1)and lower temperature (25 °C) to achieve Pmaxthan algae sampled in sites without such exposure.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1005161309609
Permalink
