Proposals to install hydrokinetic turbines – like underwater windmills – in rivers across the U.S. are prompting questions about the environmental impacts of this new hydropower energy source. In response, researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are investigating how electromagnetic fields generated by the turbines could affect the behavior of freshwater fauna such as snails, clams, minnows and sturgeon. “We know that certain marine organisms like sharks are sensitive to electromagnetic fields, but almost nothing is known about freshwater organisms,” ORNL’s Glenn Cada said. The scientists say the research will help companies and regulators make decisions and form policies about hydrokinetic installations.
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