• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.619-633
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• 2004

The composition, structure and some of the features of spatial distribution of fouling communities in the cooling system tunnels of Heat and Power Station Vladivostok City were determined. Three groups of animals, possessing features expressive of topological differentiation as well as categorical differences based on dominant and subdominant species, were clearly distinguished in the fouling community of the water intake tunnel. These are Jassa marmorata on the tunnel vault, Balanus rostratus on the walls, and Mytilus trossulus on the bottom. The group from the tunnel vault should be clearly related to 'physically controlled' communities, whereas the groups from the walls and bottom, being also physically controlled, show many of the features of 'biologically balanced' communities. Thermal treatment of tunnels, performed in summertime, is grossly inefficient, since mytilids continue to settle in September-November as well. In order to prevent intensive settlement of Mytilus trossulus larvae it is recommended that the water intake tunnels integral to the cooling system be placed deeper than 15m.