Theoretical study of thermal pollution.

Abstract

Approximately 80% of all water used by United States industry is in cooling operations. As a result, the thermal load (heat) of receiving streams and lakes is heaviest near industrial complexes. When the quantity of heat in such areas begins to impair aquatic processes or kill aquatic species, the result is thermal pollution. Projected estimates on future excess heat production point up the need for more information on this vital problem. This study concerns the effects of thermal pollution and thermal processes in streams and lakes. The objective was to contribute to the theoretical understanding of the processes involved in order that sound design criteria could be developed. Toward that end, a mathematical model of the pollution process was developed and evaluated.