The blue-green algae in nuclear power plant cooling water.

A study was undertaken to determine the effects of passage through the cooling system of the Zion Nuclear Plant, Illinois, U.S.A., on the blue-green algae present in lake water. The blue-green algae were isolated by means of membrane filtration, enumerated and identified to genera. As a result of cooling system passage there was a definite reduction in the numbers of blue-green algae. This reduction appeared to be due to mechanical, as well as elevated temperature, damage. A few genera showed only a slight change in number.