Abstract
Three-stage aquatic microcosms have been employed to investigate the long-term effects of subtle temperature rises. The type of microcosm used consists of three seperate aquaria, each representing one of the following trophic levels: autotrophs, herbivores and decomposers. The subsystems are interconnected by a pump-driven circulation flow. During a two-year experiment four of these systems have been subjected to a sequence of temperatures. Assuming the winter situation to be the most critical period regarding thermal pollution, the temperatures varied between 5°C and 17°C. Each temperature has been sustained for a period of at least 100 days, to ensure the development of ecological relevant steady-states. The parameters observed, such as oxygen, phosphate and nitrate concentration, particle volume and zooplankton biomass, show a totally reversible effect to temperature in those cases that any effect is detectable. The systems show little “memory” in reacting to temperature alterations.
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