ABSTRACT

This problem is to explore the effects of simulated thermal plumes on mercury dynamics in the zooplankter Daphnia pulex based on data from Huckabee et al. (1977) and Dixon (1977). A model was developed to simulate the uptake and elimination of mercury in Daphnia as a function of temperature. The model was used to simulate mercury dynamics in Daphnia in thermal plumes resulting from power plant cooling water discharge (Figure 13.1). Water temperature in the discharge stream will be determined largely by the discharge velocity. Because Daphnia move passively in a plume, the temperature proˆle of the plume should deˆne the temperatures to which the Daphnia are exposed. Where other water temperature proˆles can be deˆned, the model should be able to predict mercury dynamics under those conditions as well.