A geospatial assessment of bio-thermal influence around catalagzi power plant region

Abstract

Combustion of coal in thermal power plants poses significant threat to surrounding ecology, by the release of harmful effluents. This study assesses the bio-thermal impact of emissions from Catalagzi Thermal Power Plant Region (CTPPR). A geospatial analytical framework has been modeled, utilizing satellite-based bio and thermal indicators. Average hazardous bio and thermal influence zones around CTPPR have been found to be 1465 m and 1380 m, respectively. Bio-influence zone extent depends upon a combination of meteorological factors, whereas, the bio-hazard severity depends mainly on atmospheric temperature. Thermal influence extent is inversely related to seasonal temperature, whereas corresponding severity depends upon local heat sinks as well. Collectively, hazardous bio-thermal influence in the surroundings of CTPPR shows spatial constancy over long term. The study concludes useful1ness of satellite-based economical alternatives for monitoring area under stress around CTPPR for sustainable environmental management of ecological landscapes, needed to improve the human-environment nexus.