Temperature, Salinity, and Light Penetration Structures: Controlled Ecosystem Pollution Experiment

Temperature, salinity, and light penetration profiles were taken frequently during eight separate experiments in 0.25-scale controlled experimental ecosystems (CEEs), each lasting approximately 1 month, and one experiment in full-scale CEEs, lasting 2.5 months.

In both scale CEEs, the temperature profiles showed similar temporal changes to those of the outside waters. Initial salinity structures were maintained throughout the experiment, except for some modification by rain and wave action, while that outside changed due to estuarine and tidal activity as well. In the 0.25-scale CEEs, waves promoted vertical mixing and, in the top 5 to 7 m, occasionally caused water exchange. The water column in the full-scale CEEs was highly stratified, preventing some organisms and regenerated nutrients from being advected into the euphotic zone.

The floats and plastics of the CEEs reduced direct solar energy up to 50% and diffused the incident light.