Environmental assessment of the potential effects of aquifer thermal energy storage systems on microorganisms in groundwater

Technical Report · Tue Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1988

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5197067· OSTI ID:5197067

Hicks, R J; Stewart, D L

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the potential environmental effects (both adverse and beneficials) of aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) technology pertaining to microbial communities indigenous to subsurface environments (i.e., aquifers) and the propagation, movement, and potential release of pathogenic microorganisms (specifically, Legionella) within ATES systems. Seasonal storage of thermal energy in aquifers shows great promise to reduce peak demand; reduce electric utility load problems; contribute to establishing favorable economics for district heating and cooling systems; and reduce pollution from extraction, refining, and combustion of fossil fuels. However, concerns that the widespread implementation of this technology may have adverse effects on biological systems indigeneous to aquifers, as well as help to propagate and release pathogenic organisms that enter thee environments need to be resolved. 101 refs., 2 tabs.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 5197067
• Report Number(s): PNL-6492; ON: DE88007314
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
25 ENERGY STORAGE
AQUIFERS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE EQUIPMENT
MICROORGANISMS
BACTERIA
ECOLOGY
GROUND WATER
VIRUSES
WATER CHEMISTRY
CHEMISTRY
EQUIPMENT
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PARASITES
WATER
560200* - Thermal Effects
520100 - Environment
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550700 - Microbiology
250600 - Energy Storage- Thermal