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Dissolved nitrogen supersaturation of a heated effluent

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Abstract

Surface water samples were collected from the intake, discharge, and heated plume of a fossil-fueled steam electric generating station from January 1974 through September 1976. Dissolved N2 concentrations were determined manometrically for each sample and the percent saturation of each was calculated. Intake N2 levels were near saturation throughout the sampling period while discharge N2 values consistently exceeded saturation, often ranging from 110% to 120% saturation. Saturation levels based on N2 analysis and on polarographic measurement of O2 did not differ significantly. Discharge saturation levels were predictable from a three variable equation which considered the rise in cooling water temperature (ΔT), percent N2 saturation at the intake, and cooling water flow rate. Other parameters associated with cooling system operation were not significantly related to the discharge N2 level. First-order regression analysis indicated that discharge saturation levels could be readily estimated from ΔT measurements. Seasonal variation in supersaturation levels at the discharge was related to the interaction of the ΔT and the intake temperature. Supersaturation occurred throughout the heated effluent; levels decreased with increasing distance from the discharge. Dissipation of supersaturated conditions in the plume resulted from cooling and was predictable.

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Author notes

  1. D. A. Neumann

    Present address: School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Delaware, 19711, Newark, DE, USA

  2. E. L. Melisky

    Present address: U.S. Coast Guard, Bridge Administration Division, 20953, Washington, D.C., USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Aquatic Ecology Associates, Inc., 1384 Old Freeport Road, 15238, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    D. A. Neumann, E. L. Melisky & W. J. Wachter Jr.

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  1. D. A. Neumann
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  2. E. L. Melisky
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  3. W. J. Wachter Jr.
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Neumann, D.A., Melisky, E.L. & Wachter, W.J. Dissolved nitrogen supersaturation of a heated effluent. Water Air Soil Pollut 22, 1–13 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00587460

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00587460

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