Control of thermal pollution :
Control of thermal pollution is necessary as its detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystem may be detrimental in the future. Viable solutions to chronic thermal discharge into water bodies are as follows.
(1) Cooling Ponds:
Cooling ponds or reservoirs constitute the simplest method of controlling thermal discharges. Heated effluents on the surface of water in cooling ponds maximize dissipation of heat to the atmosphere and minimize the water area and volume.
This is the simplest and cheapest method which cools the water to a considerable low temperature. However, the technique alone is less desirable and inefficient in terms of air-water contact.
Cooling Towers :
Using water from water sources for cooling purposes, with subsequent return to the water body after passing through the condenser is termed as cooling process.
In order to make the cooling process more effective, cooling towers are designed to control the temperature of water. In-fact, cooling towers are used to dissipate the recovered waste heat so as to eliminate the problems of thermal pollution.
Artificial Lake :
Artificial lakes are man-made bodies of water which offer possible alternative to once through cooling.
The heated effluents may be discharged into the lake at one end and the water for cooling purposes may be withdrawn from the other end.
The heat is eventually dissipated through evaporation.
Control Measures for nuclear power plants
Laboratory generated nuclear wastes should be disposed off safely and scientifically.
Nuclear power plants should be located in areas after careful study of the geology of the area, tectonic activity and meeting other established conditions.
Appropriate protection against occupational exposure.
Leakage of radioactive elements from nuclear reactors, careless use of radioactive elements as fuel and careless handling of radioactive isotopes must be prevented.
Safety measure against accidental release of radioactive elements must be ensured in nuclear plants.
Unless absolutely necessary, one should not frequently go for diagnosis by x-rays.
Regular monitoring of the presence of radioactive substance in high risk area should be ensured.
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