Nuclear Power Plant Teсhnoeсosуstem: 18 Years of Hydrobiological Observations

Abstract

Aquatic part of Khmelnitsky Nuclear Power Plant teсhnoeсosуstem was studied during the periods of operation of one (1998–2001) and two power units (2005–2016). Changes in species composition, as well as abundance and biomass dynamics of phytoplankton, zooplankton, zoobenthos, zooperiphyton, and higher aquatic plants in the cooling pond and channels were found to be related to both technogenic and biogenic factors. The invasion of alien species constantly occurred in the teсhnoeсosуstem. Thirteen invader species were noted during the period of research. Invasion of Zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) and submerged plant Najas marina prevented regular operation of the system; sponge Eunapius carteri reached mass development. Some invaders appeared for a short period; others naturalized, but did not reach the mass development. The phenomenon of contourization associated with the invasion and the mass development of the powerful filter feeder – Zebra mussel was observed in the ecosystem during the period of research. Signs of contourization (for example, a significant increase of water transparency) were observed already in years 2–3 after the invasion of the clam; significant changes in the pelagic subsystem were observed only in years 5–6. At the time of the invasion of the second dreissenid species (D. bugensis), population of D. polymorpha was in the stage of stabilization at low level of abundance. The assumption of the possible outbreak of D. bugensis abundance during the first years after its invasion was not confirmed. Thus, the successional processes in the teсhnoeсosуstem are determined not only by technogenic and natural abiotic, but also biotic factors

Keywords

• technoecosystem
• cooling pond
• phytoplankton
• zooplankton
• zoobenthos
• zooperiphyton
• dreissenidae
• invaders