Power Plants: Effects of Chlorination on Estuarine Primary Production

Abstract

Steam electric stations may reduce primary production of cooling water by 91 percent as a result of chlorine applications for control of fouling organisms. Bacterial densities and concentrations of chlorophyll a are also reduced. Slight stimulation of production may occur in the absence of chlorination. Based on the available supply of "new" water, we calculate a maximum loss of primary production of 6.6 percent for the adjacent tidal segment of the Patuxent River.