| Title | Impacts of Geothermal Well Testing on Exposed Vegetation in the Northern Negros Geothermal Project, Philippines |
|---|---|
| Authors | Josefo B. Tuyor, Agnes C. de Jesus, Reinero S. Medrano, Jo Rowena D. Garcia, Sherwin M. Salinio and Leonora S. Santos |
| Year | 2002 |
| Conference | PNOC-EDC Geothermal Conference |
| Keywords | |
| Abstract | The impacts of geothermal discharges during the testing of Pataan 5-D well in the Northern Negros Geothermal Pmject were evaluated on seedlings of mahogany (Swietenia macroDhylla King) at variou$ distances from the well and on natural forest vegetation around the pad. Parameters measured were: I ) geothermal brine spray concentration, 2) plant concentration of geothermal signature ions (B, CI, Li, Na), 3) symptoms of plant damage and 4) plant recovery. Meteorological parameters were also gathered. Adverse effects on the test plants were observed at 5-50 meters from the silencer during the horizontal discharge and at 50-350 meters from the wellhead during the vertical discharge. Salinity was identified as vector of plant damage. Observed symptoms of damage included drying of leaf tissues expressed as necrotic areas, which occurred first at the t@ of older leaves and progressed along the margins as severity increased resulting to abnormal defoliation. Recovery of seedlings and natural vegetation fmm sprays of horizontal and vertical discharges were 70% and l00%, respectively. |