Impacts of once-through cooling on the aquatic environment

Many thermal power plants, including Bruce Power, rely on once-through cooling using water from the Great Lakes. The warmer water that is released back into the lake has the potential to impact temperature sensitive aquatic species that occupy the near shore water close to the discharges. The proposed research will investigate the genetic population structure of three fish species surrounding Bruce Power (lake whitefish, round whitefish, yellow perch), and study the impacts of varying water temperature on embryonic development and post-hatch fitness. This research will benefit the partner organization by furthering their understanding of the aquatic ecosystem surrounding Bruce Power and ensuring that current operations are not having a significant impact on fish survival and development.

Faculty Supervisor:

Joanna Wilson

Student:

Carly Graham

Partner:

Bruce Power

Discipline:

Biology

Sector:

Energy

University:

Program: