Thermal Pollution

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Thermal Pollution

• Env 1402

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What is Thermal Pollution?

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

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Major Causes

• Nuclear power plants
• Deforestation
• Soil erosion

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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

5
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

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Soil Erosion

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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.