Environmental Effects
Acquiring steam from geysers, volcanoes, and hot springs is a process that isn't harmful to the environment. However, the actual steam that is being collected and transferred into energy contains chemicals that may contribute to air pollution depending on the methods used, and water mixed with the steam consists of dissolved salts that can damage pipes and harm aquatic ecosystems.
Newer methods of generating geothermal power that separate the hot steam collected underground from the steam used to power turbines substantially reduce the risk of the transfer of air polluting contaminants.
In addition to hazardous salts in our environment, some waters that are collected with the process of geothermal energy have contained high concentrations of toxic elements such as boron, lead, and arsenic. A gas that has been found in geothermal water and steam is hydrogen sulfide, which has a bad odor of rotten eggs, and is toxic in high concentrations.
Read more about this topic: Geothermal Energy In The United States
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