EXPOSURE OF THE SANDY-BEACH BIVALVE DONAX-SERRA RODING TO A HEATED AND CHLORINATED EFFLUENT .1. EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE ON BURROWING AND SURVIVAL

The potential impact of the thermal plume from a nuclear power station on burrowing and survival of the bivalve Donax serra, which inhabits a nearby sandy beach, was investigated. Median lethal time and median lethal temperature were used to define the size-related upper thermal tolerance of D. serra. Small individuals would best tolerate heated ef fluent from the power station. Temperatures above 32 degrees C were le thal to all sizes of D. serra. After extended exposure to temperatures between 24 and 29 degrees C, 50% of the animals no longer remained bu ried. Because these temperatures occur in the thermal plume, such disp lacement from the sand can result in exposure to predation as well as possible stranding on the beach.