Paradigm shift in technical hydrobiology: from local impact, to a new techno-ecosystem concept for thermal and nuclear plant water

Abstract

Based on analysis of F.D. Mordukhai-Boltovskoy’s publications, this paper examines the history of studies of the impact of thermal and nuclear power plants, which were originally performed under the classical “Haeckelian” ecological paradigm: the external effect of technogenic factors on aquatic ecosystems and biota. The decline in interest in the problem was not associated with a decrease in the technogenic impact or changes in the energy industry. However, the paradigm itself is changing in association with the emergence of the concept of a technoecosystem. The cooling ponds of thermal power plants (TPPs) and nuclear power plants (NPPs) can be used as models of climate change, particularly climate warming. The materials obtained in studies of the effects of technogenic temperature rise are still underused by hydrobiologists studying climate change and its potential consequences.

Remote sensing and in-situ approach for investigation of pelagic communities in the reservoirs of the electrical power complex

“…If we differ the fundamental differences between the two studied water bodies, then the following should be pointed out: differences in the nature of the thermal regime and differences in the general hydrodynamics of waters [4]. Oleksandrivske reservoir is a typical reservoir on a middle river in which flow rates gradually decrease towards the dam, depth increases, sediments accumulate, based on the needs of water use, water flow from the reservoir can increase, however, basically there is a certain balance of inflow and outflow, water temperature at surface is practically unchanged throughout the water area.…”

“…In the 1970s there was an idea [3] that studies in the field of the effect of high temperatures, which usually do not occur in nature, are of a purely academic in nature, associated with the physiology of extreme conditions, or refer to particular problems of local impact of thermal power plants and nuclear power plants on water bodies. However, climate change has posed this problem on a completely different, global scale [4].…”