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Title: Summary of research on microbiological processes

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6843120· OSTI ID:6843120

Storage of thermal energy in aquifers has obvious benefits of saving energy and decreasing the consumption of fossil fuels. However, aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES), which involves groundwater aquifers as the storage medium for heat or chill, impinges on the environment. A literature review of pertinent microbiology publications (Hicks and Stewart, 1988) identified the potential for the interaction of ATES systems and microbiological processes to create a source of infectious diseases and the potential for damage to the environment. In addition, the review identified a potential for microbiological processes to develop conditions that would interfere with the operation of an ATES system. As a result of this research effort, investigators from Finland, Germany, Switzerland, and the United States have examined several ATES systems in operation and have observed that the ATES systems studied do not contribute to infectious disease transmission, do not adversely affect the environment, and do not contribute significantly to biofouling or biocorrosion.

Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States); Alabama Univ., University, AL (United States). Dept. of Biological Sciences
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC06-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
6843120
Report Number(s):
PNL-7980; ON: DE93006445
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English