Effects of Heated Effluents on the Intertidal Macroalgal Community Near Gori Nuclear Power Plant

doi:2007.22.4.297

Algae > Volume 22(4); 2007 > Article

Algae 2007;22(4): 297-304. doi: https://doi.org/10.4490/algae.2007.22.4.297

Young Hwan Kim^*, Jung Kwan Ahn, Hee Dong Yoon and Min A Jang

School of Life Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 361-763, Korea

ABSTRACT

This study is intended to clarify the effects of heated effluents on intertidal benthic marine algal community in Korea. The species composition and biomass of marine algae at the discharge canal of Gori nuclear power plant on the southeastern coast of Korea were investigated seasonally from February 2001 to October 2006. As a result, 54 species (7 blue-green, 12 green, 9 brown and 26 red algae) of marine algae were found at the discharge canal during the past six years. In general, the number of species observed was abundant during winter to spring and less in autumn. Enteromorpha compressa, E. intestinalis, E. prolifera and Caulacanthus ustulatus were common species found more than 80% frequency during the study period. Seasonal fluctuations of mean biomass were 1-440 g dry wt m?2 and dominant species in biomass were Enteromorpha spp. (contribution to a total biomass proportion 28%), Sargassum horneri (14%) and Amphiroa beauvoisii (14%). It is evident from the floristic composition and biomass data that unique micro-environment of the discharge canal support different communities from those on the intake or control area. Results from the large numbers of surveys before and during plant operation showed that, in the regions influenced by thermal effluents such as the discharge canal of power plants, the process of ecological succession has been proceeded. It is assumed that the uni-directional water flow and the time of overhaul largely affect the development and succession of benthic marine algal communities of the discharge canal.

Key words: Gori, heated effluents, marine algae, nuclear power plant