Effects of Thermal Effluents on the Marine Algal Community at the Coast of Kori Nuclear Power Plant

Algae > Volume 7(2); 1992 > Article

Algae 1992;7(2): 269-279.

Hyung-Geun Kim, Rae-Seon Kang, Chul-Hyun Sohn

Department of Fisheries Resources Development, Kangreung National University, Biological Oceanography Laboratory, Korea Ocean Research and Development Institute, Department of Aquaculture, National Fisheries University of Pusan

ABSTRACT

The effect of thermal effluent on the marine algal community was studied in the vicinity of the Kori Nuclear Power Plant during 1987-1989. Community structure has been noticeably affected by the thermal effluent in terms of species composition, species richness and diversity. Significantly fewer species (71 species) were found near the outfall area than in the control area (111 species). Ulva pertusa, Enteromorpha compressa, Padina arborescens, Corallina pilulifera, melobesioids and encrusting cyanophytes occurred predominantly near the outfall. The closer to the outfall, the lower the species richness and diversity. Species diversity was lower in autumn/winter than in spring/summer, and it was lower in 1988 than in 1987. In the discharge channels, life history pattern of some algal species was different when compared to the control area. Embryos of Sargassum horneri formed one or two months earlier in March /April than in the control area. In the area affected by the effluent, the fronds of Porphyra suborbiculata were no longer existent in May, while they were present until July in the control area.

Key words: marine algal community, effect of thermal effluent