The influence of thermal polution on various aspects of the biology of three species of crab

The construction of a nuclear power station on the west coast of South Africa will result in a large volume of heated effluent being discharged into the ocean, thus raising the temperature of the surrounding sea by a few degrees. The physiological effect that this hot water will have on three species of crab common along the west coast, is presented in this paper. Parameters of the energy equation C = Pg + R + Uₑₓ + F + Uₑ have been measured for adult Plagusia chabrus, Hymenosoma orbiculare and Cyclograpsus punctatus. It appears that rate-temperature responses increase with increase in temperature for all three species. Favourable water temperatures were found to be between 16°C and 21°C for the three species, with temperatures of 26°C being detrimental, especially during moulting in P. chabrus and H. orbiculare. The energy budget and energetic efficiencies are calculated for all the species and it appears that the increased temperatures around Koeberg Power Station will be beneficial to the adult crab species.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Biological Sciences

Year dc:date.issued

1983

Author dc:creator

• Beviss-Challinor, Lesley Doreen Margaret

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Cook, Peter

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/21936

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/21936