Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

EFFECT OF THERMAL POWER STATION ON AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS

R.R. Khapekar, P.B. Nandkar and S.V. Deshpande

Abstract

In thermal power stations, surplus heat is produced as a result of energy production. About 15% surplus heat is discarded directly into the atmosphere through the flue gas.The reminder is rejected from the condenser through cooling water leading to physico-chemical and biological changes in the surrounding environment. The changes in temperature of receiving water bodies through surplus heat cause adverse impact, which changes the utility and productivity of organisms.The coal fired Thermal Power Station (TPS) releasing huge amounts of fly ash mixed with water into the aquatic environments.This may gradually lead to deterioration of such ecosystem. Discharges of oil from TPS also have adverse impact on aquatic ecosystem.The aim of present study is to discuss the effects ofTPS on aquatic ecosystems.