scholarly journals IMPACT OF SMALL HYDROPOWER PLANTS ON PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND BIOTIC ENVIRONMENTS IN FLATLAND RIVERBEDS OF LITHUANIA

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saulius Vaikasas ◽  
Nijole Bastiene ◽  
Virginija Pliuraite
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Fine Particles ◽  
River System ◽  
Physicochemical Characteristics ◽  
Hydropower Plant ◽  
Macroinvertebrate Communities ◽  
Reference Sites ◽  
Small Hydropower ◽  
Hydrostatic Head ◽  
The Impact

The impact of a small hydropower plant (SHP) on river water quality and macroinvertebrates has been investigated in 5 Lithuanian rivers and involved 17 dams of which ten are in a sequence in the same river system. The hydrostatic head of SHP dams ranged from 2.75 to 14.50 m and the capacities of their reservoirs varied from 40×103 to 15,500×103 m3. Physicochemical characteristics, as well as macroinvertebrate communities, were evaluated in sites above and below the SHP dams comparing them with reference sites. It was established that construction of SHP dams (H15 m) in Lithuania substantially changed regimes of suspended solids, fine particles and nutrients only locally regardless of hydrostatic head of the dam. Compared to reference sites, SHP reservoirs and sites below SHP dams had relatively more Chironomidae larvae and Oligochaeta, and less Coleoptera larvae as well as the relative abundance of pollution-sensitive Ephemeroptera and EPT. Water quality according to biotic indexes (DSFI and HBI) in the sites influenced by SHP dams was recognised to be moderate or poor, but impact was only local. This suggests that increment of catchment’s area and intensive land use for agriculture within the river basin plays more important role than SHP dams

scholarly journals Assessment of the Impact of Small Hydropower Plants on the Ecological Status Indicators of Water Bodies: A Case Study in Lithuania

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 433
Author(s):  
Laima Česonienė ◽  
Midona Dapkienė ◽  
Petras Punys
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Benthic Macroinvertebrates ◽  
Suspended Solids ◽  
Ecological Status ◽  
Fish Abundance ◽  
Water Bodies ◽  
Small Hydropower ◽  
Hydropower Plants ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
The Impact

Hydropower plants produce renewable and sustainable energy but affect the river’s physico-chemical characteristics and change the abundance and composition of the aquatic organisms. The impact of large HPPs on the ecological conditions of surface water bodies have been extensively studied, but less attention has been paid to environmental impact studies of small hydropower plants (SHPs). The impact of hydropeaking on both the river flow regime and ecosystems has been well-studied for peaking mode plants, mainly medium to large-sized ones. However, for small hydroelectric power plants, and especially for those in lowland rivers, the available information on water quality, benthic macroinvertebrates communities and fish abundance, and biomass is not sufficient. Ten small hydropower plants were selected, and the ecological status of water bodies was assessed in different parts of Lithuania. The studies were performed at the riverbed upstream from the SHPs, where the hydrological regime has not changed, and downstream from the SHPs. It was found that the small hydropower plants do not affect the physico-chemical values of the water quality indicators. This study demonstrated that the total number of benthic macroinvertebrates taxa (TS) is influenced by the concentration of nitrogen and suspended solids, the water flow, the river area, and the current speed; the number of EPT (Ephemeroptera (mayflies), Plecoptera (stoneflies), and Trichoptera (caddisflies)) taxa is influenced by the concentration of nitrogen and suspended solids. The studied indicators do not have a significant impact on biomass. The SHPs affect the fish abundance and biomass. The Lithuanian fish index (LFI) is influenced by the average depth and area of the river. Some SHPs operating in lowland areas may yield somewhat significant hydrograph ramping but more detailed investigation is needed to support the significance of this impact on the biological indices.

scholarly journals Assessment of The Impacts of Trout Farming on Water Quality Using Macro Invertebrates as Bio- Indicators

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 175-182
Author(s):  
Anuradha Rai ◽  
Archana Niraula ◽  
Payaswini Ghimire ◽  
Aastha Pandey ◽  
Anu Gurung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Similarity Index ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Multiple Site ◽  
Reference Sites ◽  
Chemical Parameters ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Invertebrate Assemblages ◽  
Trout Farms ◽  
The Impact

The study was conducted to assess the impacts of trout farming on water quality using macro invertebrates as bio-indicators. Two trout farms were selected for the study, viz., Gandaki Trout Farm (GTF) in Kaski district and Fall & Trout Fish Farm (FTF) in Nuwakot district. Reference and impacted sites were selected in each trout farms from where macro invertebrates were collected and physico-chemical parameters were measured. Sorensen’s Index and Multiple Site Similarity Index were calculated to compare the macro-invertebrate assemblages between the impact and the reference sites. Water quality classes were also calculated using macro invertebrate-based tool, NEPBIOS/ASPT scores. Altogether 24 families of macro invertebrates were observed at GTF and 12 families at FTF. The Sorensen’s Similarity Index was greater than 0.5 between reference and impacted sites at GTF; whereas it was only 0.28 at FTF indicating comparatively low level of similarity. In addition, Multiple Site Similarity Index (0.64) at GTF also indicated high similarity between the macro invertebrate assemblages. Reference sites showed higher scores with higher diversity of macro invertebrates. Both farms had suitable water quality for trout (dissolved oxygen and temperature) and most of the physico-chemical parameters did not show significant differences except pH and turbidity at GTF probably due to small scale operation and production. Journal of Institute of Science and TechnologyVolume 22, Issue 2, January 2018, Page: 175-182

Macrozoobenthos response to environmental degradation in a heavily modified stream: Case study the Upper Elbe River, Czech Republic

Biologia ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zdeněk Adámek ◽  
Claus Orendt ◽  
Georg Wolfram ◽  
Jan Sychra
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Size Structure ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Macroinvertebrate Communities ◽  
Elbe River ◽  
Important Indicator ◽  
Natural Stream ◽  
River Bed ◽  
Macrophyte Community ◽  
The Impact

AbstractBenthic macroinvertebrates are an important indicator of river health. However, their response upon water quality development downstream the pollution outlets considerably depends on the environmental habitat characteristics. Three successive stretches, each of them providing three different mesohabitats in stillwater (S), torrential (T) and riparian (R) zones were selected for evaluation of the impact of altered metapotamal river bed morphology (channelization) and chemical determinants of water quality on the Upper Elbe River. In downstream direction, the stretches are separated by weirs and characterized as a low polluted low modified natural stream (N), a low polluted channelized stream (C) and a channelized polluted stream (CP). Altogether, 111 benthic macroinvertebrate taxa were recorded in the Pardubice hotspot between Němčice and Přelouč. Despite different levels of stream bed and water quality degradation, micro- and mesohabitat characteristics appeared to be the most important factors determining the diversity of macrozoobenthos in riffle (substrate size structure) and in shoreline (macrophyte community composition and structure) mesohabitats. The diversity of macroinvertebrate communities was highest in riparian mesohabitats compared to stillwater and torrential ones. Saprobic indices increased in downstream direction, thus indicating the decline of water quality.

Risk-Based Assessment of the Impact of Aluminium on a Riverine Ecosystem

2004 ◽  
Vol 57 (10) ◽  
pp. 951
Author(s):  
Paul L. Brown ◽  
John M. Ferris
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Drainage System ◽  
River System ◽  
Risk Assessment Code ◽  
Detailed Measurement ◽  
Geochemical Model ◽  
Independent Field ◽  
Guideline Value ◽  
The Impact

The Dawesley Creek–Bremer River drainage system, in South Australia, is affected by the potentially costly problem of acid drainage from the Brukunga mine site. This paper contrasts geochemical model predictions of water quality with detailed measurement of water chemistry in the field. This information is also used in the ecological risk assessment code, AQUARISK, to predict the degree of ecological detriment. These predictions are then assessed against independent, field-based biomeasures of algal and bacterial communities to test the performance of the code. The study demonstrates that the assessment of ecological risk obtained using AQUARISK, when coupled with geochemical modelling, accords quite well with the independent data from the biomeasures. Results from the study also suggest that only a single water-quality guideline value is required for aluminium, the major toxicant in the Dawesley Creek–Bremer River system.

scholarly journals Operational Evaluation of a Small Hydropower Plant in the Context of Sustainable Development

Water ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia Walczak
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Flow Rate ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Hydraulic Performance ◽  
Hydropower Plant ◽  
Small Hydropower ◽  
Inlet Channel ◽  
Water Head ◽  
The Impact

Proper design of hydrotechnical structures should meet the basic principles of sustainable development, i.e., the investment should be designed and made in technical terms, in accordance with the applicable standards and regulations, provide certain economic benefits and guarantee the absence of environmental hazards. The article examines the work of a Small Hydropower Plant (SHP) in Jaracz in technical and hydraulic terms. It also provides the analysis of the effect of changes in parameters such as water head, flow rate velocity, and shape of trash rack bars on expected SHP profits. The assessment of hydraulic performance consisted of investigating the impact of reduced flow rate and water head on power output and energy production. The analyses were carried out for the Francis turbine installed in the facility. Since the loss of channel capacity is shaped by plant debris accumulated on trash racks, the hydraulic performance assessment was extended to include the analysis of the species and weight composition of such accumulation on fine trash racks located in the inlet channel. Field research involved collecting organic material from the growing season (spring, summer) and post-growing season (autumn). Technical conditions were developed on the basis of the current technical condition of the inlet channel; there were also made simulations of its deteriorating state, as well as its impact on the received energy and economic benefits.

scholarly journals The impact of land use and spatial mediated processes on the water quality in a river system

2017 ◽  
Vol 601-602 ◽  
pp. 365-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dirk Vrebos ◽  
Olivier Beauchard ◽  
Patrick Meire
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Land Use ◽  
River System ◽  
The Impact

Analyzing the impact of intake structure on the flow at low pressure SHPP

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucia Bytčanková ◽  
Ján Rumann ◽  
Peter Dušička
Keyword(s):  
Velocity Distribution ◽  
Flow Velocity ◽  
Hydropower Plant ◽  
Small Hydropower ◽  
Hydropower Plants ◽  
Low Head ◽  
Structural Parts ◽  
Numerical Flow Modeling ◽  
Intake Structure ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe structural parts of intake structures directly affect the flow velocity distribution in the turbine intake of small hydropower plants, where inhomogeneous flow leads to uneven load of the turbine units causing operational problems. A 2D numerical flow modeling was used for investigations of the flow in an intake structure of a low-head small hydropower plant. The effects of shape changes of the intake structure on the flow velocity distribution in the turbine intakes were investigated and assessed proving significant effect of the shapes of the intake structure on the flow homogeneity in turbine intakes.

scholarly journals Climate Change Effects on Hydropower in Mozambique

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (14) ◽  
pp. 4842 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Meque Uamusse ◽  
Kamshat Tussupova ◽  
Kenneth M Persson
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Feasibility Studies ◽  
Hydropower Plant ◽  
Small Hydropower ◽  
Economic Implications ◽  
Climate Change Effects ◽  
Hydropower Potential ◽  
The Impact

The impact of climate change on the production of hydropower in Mozambique is reviewed and regression analysis is applied to evaluate future climate scenarios. The results show that climate change will cause increased variability of precipitation and create flooding that can damage infrastructure such as hydropower dams. Climate change can also cause drought that will decrease surface water and reduce hydroelectric generation in Mozambique. Electricity generation is to a major extent performed through large-scale hydropower in Mozambique. To fulfill the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and an increased demand for electricity, several large and many small hydropower projects are planned and were built in the country. The economic lifetime of a hydropower plant is typically 100 years, meaning that the hydrologic regimes for the plants should be evaluated for at least this period. Climate change effects are rarely included in present feasibility studies. Economic implications associated with climate change phenomena are higher in Mozambique than in neighboring countries as its future electricity demand to a large extent is forecasted to be met by hydropower. The large hydropower potential in Mozambique should as well be considered when investing in new power plants in southern Africa.

scholarly journals Land-Cover Patterns and Hydrogeomorphology of Tributaries: Are These Important Stressors for the Water Quality of Reservoirs in the Mediterranean Region?

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 2665
Author(s):  
Patrícia Palma ◽  
Sofia Fialho ◽  
Ana Lima ◽  
Clarisse Mourinha ◽  
Alexandra Penha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Land Cover ◽  
Fine Particles ◽  
Physicochemical Characteristics ◽  
Land Use Land Cover ◽  
Intermittent Streams ◽  
Reservoir Water ◽  
Urban Land Cover ◽  
Olive Groves

Four streams in the Guadiana watershed were followed up to assess hydrogeomorphological and physicochemical characteristics, and to analyze its correlation with land use/land cover (LULC), analyzing their possible influence in reservoir water quality and possible influence in the reservoir water quality. The highest amounts of organic descriptors and nutrients were quantified in streams with the major percentage of olive groves and vineyards and urban land cover classes. Streams more influenced by agro-silvo-pastoral class presented better water quality, as this type of LULC acts as a buffer of the contamination runoff. The results highlighted that the hydrogeomorphology of the streams may influence the transfer of pollutants loads to reservoirs. Hence, in intermittent streams characterized by coarse particles in the sediment, high amounts of pollutants are accumulated when the flow ceases, and are further transported to the reservoirs when the flow retakes. On the contrary, streams with sediments characterized by a great percentage of fine particles and organic matter do not induce so much stress in reservoirs, since these allow the adsorption of nutrients and trace elements, without their transfer to reservoirs.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document