Journal of Tropical Oceanography ›› 2026, Vol. 45 ›› Issue (3): 109-121.doi: 10.11978/2025096CSTR: 32234.14.2025096

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Effects of thermal discharge of power plants on coral communities in Honghai Bay, Guangdong Province

YANG Bing1,2(), YUAN Taoping1, DONG Junde1, JIANG Lei1, QIAN Jiang1, YANG Qingsong1, SUN Huiming1, ZHOU Yanwu1()   

  1. 1 South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
    2 University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
  • Received:2025-07-04 Revised:2025-10-09 Online:2026-05-10 Published:2026-05-28
  • Contact: ZHOU Yanwu. email: zhouyanwu@scsio.ac.cn
  • Supported by:
    National Natural Science Foundation of China(42276160)

Abstract:

Coral reefs constitute ecosystems with exceptional biodiversity, contributing substantial economic value to society annually. Rising sea surface temperatures (SST) have led to a marked increase in the frequency and severity of coral bleaching events, posing a grave threat to the survival of reef-building corals. To assess the impact of thermal discharge from power plants on coral communities, an ecological survey was conducted in the Honghai Bay area during autumn 2024. This study integrated numerical simulations of thermal discharge from the Taipingling Nuclear Power Plant and Haifeng Thermal Power Plant with Degree Heating Week (DHW) analysis. The findings offer a policy-oriented reference for the siting of nuclear power plants and ecological risk assessment. The survey revealed that six islands, situated at a considerable distance from the thermal discharge outlets, harbored a diverse range of coral species, including 13 species of stony corals (belonging to 5 families and 9 genera) and 7 species of soft corals (spanning 5 families and 7 genera). Coral coverage varied considerably among different sites, ranging from 0.30% to 36.38%. Bleaching risk predictions indicated that the 1°C seawater warming induced by thermal discharge in summer extended into the coral distribution area of Mangyu Island but did not affect other coral habitats. Conversely, in winter, the 2°C warming had no effect on any coral distribution zones. Under typical climatic conditions, the impact of thermal discharge on corals near Jixinshi Island remained within their normal tolerance thresholds. However, even in years with average water temperatures, thermal discharge elevated the DHW in Mangyu Island’s waters by more than 4°C-weeks, thereby increasing the risk of coral bleaching. Nonetheless, as SST gradually declines in autumn, coral bleaching may begin to recover. In summary, the influence of power plant thermal discharge on coral communities around the islands in Honghai Bay is limited and generally does not cause significant adverse effects under normal circumstances. However, during summer marine heatwaves triggered by El Niño, thermal discharge exacerbates the adverse effects of marine heatwaves on corals in Jixinshi Island and Mangyu Island. It is imperative to strengthen scientific monitoring and data collection, continuously assess the long-term impacts of thermal discharge on coral ecosystems across different areas of Honghai Bay, and establish data models to predict future risks.

Key words: Honghai Bay, coral bleaching, thermal discharge, Degree Heating Week (DHW), power plant

CLC Number: 

  • Q178