Study of the features of zoobenthos development in the area of water air curtain type fish protection structure in the cooling reservoir of the SDPP

Abstract

   PURPOSE. Study of the features of hydrobiological characteristics of zoobenthos development under conditions of an operating fish protection structure of a water-air curtain (WAC ) type at an energy facility.   METHODS. Hydrobiological material on the qualitative and quantitative composition of zoobenthos in the water intake area of the Zainskaya State District Power Plant was collected, processed and analyzed. Particular attention is paid to the level of development of the biofouling agent - Dreissena, and the acclimating species, the Khanka shrimp. A comparative analysis of our own research and literature data on hydrobiological indicators of water quality according to the level of development of zoobenthos in the area of a fish protection structure such as a water-air curtain was carried out. The material was processed using generally accepted hydrobiological methods in the laboratory of the Department of Aquatic Bioresources and Aquaculture of Kazan State Power Engineering University.   RESULTS. It is shown that a fish protection device like a water-air curtain (WAC) is a technical solution that, in the process of operation, changes the physical and chemical characteristics of the state of the ecosystem, especially in the bottom layer and soil, thereby shaping the characteristics of zoobenthos. It was revealed that a fish protection structure (FPS) like a water-air curtain does not reduce the species diversity of zoobenthos It has been shown that the WAC zone does not prevent the reproduction of Dreissena, but leads to a decrease in their numbers from 2 to 5 times compared to FPS with mesh cassettes, which increases the environmental significance of the WAC from the standpoint of combating biofouling on hydraulic structures.   CONCLUSION. Observations of the state of the ecosystem in the area of operation of the water-air curtain and assessment of water quality based on zoobenthos indicators revealed high water quality in the area where the water-air curtain operates and an improvement in the ecological situation.