Effects of Thermal Shock on Larval Estuarine Fish—Ecological Implications with Respect to Entrainment in Power Plant Cooling Systems

Abstract

In the United States most existing and proposed power plant cooling systems are of the “once-through” type in which water is passed through the condensers and released back to the cooling source (lake, river, estuary or ocean) at an elevated temperature. Organisms small enough to pass through intake screens (usually 9.5 mm) such as larval fish may be entrained in the cooling system and subjected to an acute thermal shock which may be detrimental to individuals and the population.