Impactos ambientales globales de los vertidos de aguas residuales y desechos derivados de la energía geotérmica en los ecosistemas naturales
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70881/hnj/v3/n3/83Palabras clave:
geotermia, energía, agua residual, desechos, ecosistemasResumen
La presente revisión sistemática analiza los impactos ambientales de los vertidos de aguas residuales y desechos geotérmicos en ecosistemas naturales, con un enfoque en Ecuador, un país con crisis energética y alto potencial geotérmico. Se examinaron los efectos de los residuos geotérmicos sobre la calidad del agua, el equilibrio ecológico y el ciclo hidrológico, identificando riesgos clave. Se ilustra el funcionamiento de plantas geotérmicas, destacando puntos críticos como la extracción de vapor a 180°C, generación eléctrica y reinyección de fluidos, que puede inducir sismicidad. Los impactos incluyen pérdida de vegetación, emisiones de H₂S y CO₂, contaminación por metales pesados y alteración de hábitats. A pesar de su capacidad global de 19 GW en 2021, la geotermia enfrenta limitaciones en su desarrollo. Se proponen medidas de mitigación como tecnologías avanzadas de tratamiento y monitoreo continuo para garantizar un desarrollo sostenible
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Derechos de autor 2025 Nahomy Ayala, Michelle Muñoz, Carlos Banchón (Autor/a)
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