Effects of the discharge of thermal effluent from a power station on Lake Wabamun,Alberta, Canada — Limnological features

The physical and chemical aspects of Lake Wabamum have been described. Modifications to the thermal and dissolved oxygen regimes through the discharge of thermal effluent into the eastern region of the lake are discussed. This discharge has, therefore, changed the environmental conditions under which the biota exists in the eastern portion of the lake. It was also shown that this discharge of heated water had no effect upon the water chemistry while the power station itself contributed silica, in the form of fly ash, to the system. Tables of the phytoplankton, zooplankton, aquatic macrophytes, and fish are provided. From a biological and limnological stand point the lake can be classified as a moderately eutrophic lake, especially in the eastern portion.