The Water Cycle And Renewable Resources

Water Cycle Impacts:

Lots of Different things can impact the water cycle, Acid Rain, Oil Spills, and MANY more! But has anyone taken the time to look into why and how these things happened? (well, now everyone is, it’s an ASSIGNMENT) But in general, no. Not Really. But now I am!! Read on to find out more…

Acid Rain

Acid rain is rain that has acidic compounds or components

Effects Acid Rain Can Have

Acid rain can affect the way trees grow, it leaches aluminum from the soil, which is harmful to the way plants grow.
The effects of Acid rain are most commonly seen in aquatic environments, such as streams, lakes, and marshes where it can be harmful to fish and other wildlife.
As it flows through the soil, acidic rainwater can leach aluminum from soil clay particles and then flow into streams and lakes.

How do we prevent/reduce the impact?

We can help prevent this by using more renewable energy sources
The main cause is air pollution, so to reduce the impact of acid rain we just need to reduce the impact of air pollution. Meaning…
Using more RENEWABLE ENERGY!!!

Oil Spills

Oil spills are created when a large or small form of oil spills into a large body of water.
They can happen when ships sink, sailers refuel a ship, or when a fuel tank breaks, spilling the oil into the ocean.

Effects Oil Spills can have

When oil accidentally spills into the ocean, it can cause big problems. Oil spills can harm sea creatures, ruin a day at the beach, and make seafood unsafe to eat.

How do we prevent/reduce the impact?

We can reduce the amount of oil that is being transported across oceans, meaning less oil spilled in water.

Greywater Recycling:

Greywater is wastewater from non-toilet plumbing systems such as hand basins, washing machines, showers, and baths.
Greywater recycling is where you recycle the greywater and use it for other purposes. Like using it to water the plants in your garden.

Renewable Resources:

There are lots of different renewable resources, such as wind power, solar power, and also tidal power!

Wind Power…

Wind power is power obtained by harnessing the energy from the wind. It works by operating on a simple principle. The energy in the wind turns two to three propeller-like blades around a rotor. The rotor is connected to the main shaft, which spins a generator to create ELECTRICITY!!

Cost of Wind Power –

The wind is one of the lowest-priced energy sources available
So at this moment, wind power only costs 1-2 cents per kilowatt-hour after the production tax credit.
To buy a wind turbine, believe It or not, it will cost you 2-4 million dollars!! (but to buy a small one, it will only cost you $1000!!)

The Efficiency of Wind Power –

Wind turbines are 20% – 40% efficient at converting wind power into energy. (Which is not cheap!)
The typical lifespan of a turbine is 20 years. But maintenance is required every 6 months.

Wind Power Compared to Coal –

Wind Power may be more renewable, but it’s not always the best…

Wind turbines can only operate (transfer energy to electricity) when the wind is blowing. But coal power can operate 24/7 (a.k.a ALL THE TIME!).
*Did you know that just over 350 wind turbines are required to replace a coal generation plant!?!?*
As I said before, wind power only costs 1-2 cents per kW. But a coal power plant will cost $3500 per kW
To buy a NEW coal power plant is not cheap, it will cost around 3 BILLION dollars!!!!
Overall coal power IS better than wind power, but not by a lot.

Solar Power…

Solar energy is simply just the light and energy that comes from the sun
Solar panels have to be put in a non-shady place to capture the sunlight.
Solar panels convert sunlight into electrical energy through either 2 things, photovoltaic panels or through mirrors that concentrate the solar radiation.

Cost of Solar Power –

To put a solar power system onto your house in WA, will cost you roughly around $3000 – $12000!
The price of solar power can vary a lot over the years or months, you are looking at putting them in.

The Efficiency of Solar Power –

Solar Panels are roughly between 15% and 18% efficient.
Meaning that only 15% to 18% of the sunlight that hits the panel is turned to electricity.
The other part only warms the panel, as it would to anything else.

Solar Power Compared to Coal –

As I said before, Solar Power only has a 15% – 18% efficiency while coal power has around 40%!
To buy a Solar Power plant costs around 3 BILLION dollars while Solar Power costs only $3000 – $12000
Overall, Coal power IS more efficient than solar power by a lot.
But it isn’t cheaper!!!