Research Product

The use of chlorination to disinfect for bacterial control or control biological fouling is a widespread process unique to the United States. Many countries, including Sweden, Norway, West Germany, Great Britain, and France, have been very conservative in the use of chlorine for these applications. Recent surveys have linked fish mortalities and possibly shellfish bed recoveries to excessive chlorination or reduction of chlorination, respectively (Virginia State Water Control Board, 1974; Virginia Institute of Marine Science, 1975). Studies by Jolley (1973), Helz (in manuscript), and Carpenter (1976, 1977) reveal that both halogenated and nonhalogenated compounds are produced from chlorination of waters rich in organic compounds from natural productivity. In this paper, we summarize the results of ongoing research projects from 1975. In it, we relate preliminary findings to needs for further investigation of the effects of chlorination on marine ecosystems.