Impact of power plant discharge on intertidal fauna

Abstract

Oceans are the ultimate sink of much of the waste produced by mankind. Despite the capacity of oceans to dilute, disperse and degrade large amounts of raw sewage, oil and several types of industrial waste, much of the impact of these waste inputs is borne by the coastal areas. Though offshore pollution, especially in the form of oil spills, affects the coastal environment, a large proportion of the pollutants that enter the oceans have their origin from sources on land or land-sea interface. This does not come as a surprise, especially with half the world's population living within 100 km of the coast and expanding at a rapid rate (Living in the Environment; Principles, Connections and Solutions, 1998). The dramatic increase in human population has created considerable demand on every available resource and power generation is no exception.