Abstract
Accurate assessments of the impact of thermal discharge from power plants on the marine ecosystem remains a significant challenge. This study provided high-resolution observation during two high-productivity seasons to investigated the biogeochemical impacts of thermal discharge in Dapeng Cove, Daya Bay. The surface footprint of the thermal plume was hardly discernible during summer, likely due to intense solar heating of the water surface, but rapid biogeochemical decomposition of organisms still occurs. The summer stratified water column inhibited the Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration in the surface layer (0-1m), limiting the growth of phytoplankton biomass in the surface water. In the mid-bottom layer (>5m) however, the warmer water from the plume significantly promoted phytoplankton growth. In spring, the thermal plume was well-defined with clear boundaries. The spring thermal discharge significantly suppressed phytoplankton growth likely due to high temperature and chlorination in the upper water column. This study provided a crucial theoretical foundation for accurately assessing the ecological consequences of thermal discharges in coastal water.
Published Version
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