Evaluation of probable impact of the discharge of a thermal in the community of San Francisco, Zulia state - Venezuela

Abstract

The discharge waters of a thermoelectric plant have temperatures above 30 oC. This can affect the aquatic life of both fi sh and vegetation. A fl ow of 200,000 m3/d produces a zone of turbulence in Lake Maracaibo, which is dissipated by the tides. In this sense,
this study aims to analyze the impact of the discharge in the area surrounding the community of San Francisco Municipality, Zulia State. The methodology used was through the computer simulation of the hydrodynamics of the discharge and the effects caused by temperature. The results indicated that the values are below the norm and there is no impact that damages the ecology.