Destruction of phytoplankton in the cooling water supply of a steam electric station

Rates of photosynthesis were used to evaluate the response of phytoplankton when passed through the cooling system of a power generating facility. Photosynthesis was measured as the uptake of carbon. A factorial design permitted evaluation of heat input, total effect of passage, and degree of recovery. Six experiments measured response at a fixed time of day and at various times in a daily cycle.