Thermal Pollution

Env 1402

What is Thermal Pollution?

Increase in the normal temperatures of natural waters caused by intervention of human activities.

Major Causes
Nuclear power plants Deforestation Soil erosion

Nuclear Power Plants

Nuclear power plants use water as a cooling agent. After the water is used, it is put back into a water supply at 9-20oC warmer

Deforestation
The decrease in vegetation increases the amount of light that hits the water, which increases the temperature of the water Deforestation also increases erosion

Soil Erosion
Erosion makes the water muddy, which increases the light absorbed

Effects of Increased Water Temperature

Thermal shock aquatic life adapted to a certain water temperature can go into shock when the temp is changed even 1 or 2 degrees. Oxygen dissolved in water decreases Increases the rate of photosynthesis, which increases the amount of plant growth Increases the metabolic rate of fish, which increases their need for oxygen

Possible Solutions
Energy chips (Energy Ciptm) Desalination plants (what problems can this lead to?) Less nuclear power (what are some alternatives?) End shoreline deforestation Prevent soil erosion (what are some methods?) Extra Credit type a 1-2 page paper on one of these topics. Include references. Due March 1st.

Effects of Temperature on Minnows

Do not over heat the water!!!! Keep the hot plates at a low setting. Do not heat water over 35oC! You will test for dissolved oxygen and count gill beats at one degree intervals.

Lab Report
Your lab report will have the an intro, procedure summary, and conclusion. Your data section will consist of the data you recorded and 2 graphs. The graphs must be titled, properly labeled including units, and must take up the whole page.