Interpretation
Geothermal energy refers to the sustainable heat generated from beneath the earth, which composes of hot rock, hollow ground, and hot water. The extraction of this type of energy links to environmental hazards that threaten its widespread exploitation.
Analysis
Geothermal power plants cause atmospheric pollution. The extraction process in geothermal fluids relates to the emission of gases, water, and steam. It primarily entails the generation of power, which leads to the emission of non-condensable gases. A larger percentage of Carbon dioxide produced by external; sources come from geothermal activities. The power plants produce 1000-5000 times a lesser amount of Carbon dioxide than the fossil fuel power plants but still prove hazardous to health (Huenges & Ledru, 2011, p. 40-41). The geothermal plants also release the hydrogen sulfide, which releases a distinct odor that takes the nature of a smelling rotten egg. The gas mentioned affects the body in a manner that it desensitizes the aliphatic nerves (Michaelides, 2011, p. 282). Hydrogen sulfide forms minor acidic particulates absorbed into the bloodstream. This absorption of the gas into the body leads to one obtaining lung and heart complications. Certain plants produce mercury emissions that lead to the production of a poisonous watery sludge.
Geothermal fluids generate non-desirable effects on the quality of water and its consumption. Water pumped from subversive reservoirs usually comprise of salt, sulfur, and other additional minerals. A majority of the geothermal systems contain shut water schemes where the geothermal reservoir obtains pumped water from it. These systems include water made of steel well casings, thus interfering with its quality. Poor water quality occurs due to the high levels of concentration of toxic substances. For instance, lead, mercury, and arsenic are toxic substances present in geothermal waters, and their release to the environment would result in minimum consumption rates.
Geothermal structures and activities lead to the increasing likelihood of earthquake occurrences. The earthquakes occur due to hot, dry rock systems available for geothermal structures. It happens when water undergoes pumping at high pressures, thereby fracturing subversive hot rock reservoirs. Fault lubrications also induce earthquakes after the reinjection of the waste fluids. Such cases are rampant near geothermal sites.
Land or soil subsidence is another problem associated with the geothermal activities (United Nations Environment Programme, 2007, p. 213). When geothermal aquifers release water or steam, their permeability decreases because of the shrinking of open cracks. Following the occurrence of these events, the surrounding soil and rocks undergo displacement that leads to uneven soil subsidence. This experience may lead to the destruction of structures or buildings.
Another problem worth noting is the noise pollution generated by geothermal activities (Abbasi & Abbasi, 2011, p. 271). The drilling techniques employed in geothermal sites and the expulsions of non-condensable gases add to the noise pollution. Despite their isolation from population centers, their sounds also tend to affect the wildlife. This factor inhibits touristic activities of a particular location.
Evaluation
The United Nations Environment Programme only accessed the environmental problems in a shallow dimension. Michaelides demonstrates some gas emissions during geothermal activities.
Inference
Geothermal activities often lead to hazardous environmental effects. The concerned parties should strategize the best ways to reduce these detrimental environmental impacts. Inoculating waste fluids back to the systems can help solve most problems associated with geothermal systems.
Explanation
The injection of the waste fluids to their original sources would help reduce the exhaustion of resources and land subsidence issues brought by geothermal operations. Geothermal fluids have a great effect on the environment and should not be released to the environment.
References
Abbasi, T., & Abbasi, S. A. (2011). Renewable energy sources: Their impact on global warming and pollution. New Delhi: PHI.
Huenges, E., & , Ledru, P. (2011). Geothermal Energy Systems: Exploration, Development, and Utilization. Weinheim: John Wiley & Sons.
Michaelides, E. E. (2011). Alternative Energy Sources. Berlin: Springer Berlin.
United Nations Environment Programme. (2007). UNEP handbook for drafting laws on energy efficiency and renewable energy resources. Nairobi, Kenya: United Nations Environment Programme.
