Evaluation of R. Paul Smith Steam Electric Station Thermal Discharge Effects on Finfish and Macroinvertebrate Communities, Summer/Fall 1980

摘要

The objectives of the study were to evaluate the thermal effects of the R. P. Smith steam Electric Station upon the finfish and macroinvertebrates communities during summer and fall, on the Potomac River. The finfish community was sampled during August and September 1980 with electrofishing gear. The increased water temperature along the Maryland shore appeared to influence the distribution of spotfin shiner and smallmouth bass. Carp, although not statistically tested, appeared to be more abundant in the thermal plume than at stations outside the thermal plume. The thermal discharge exhibited no discernible influence on the composition of the benthic or drift macroinvertebrate communities.