An investigation into the chemistry and biology of salinity gradient solar ponds in relation to their stability and efficiency

This thesis describes the chemical , physical and biological characteristics of solar ponds and the influence of those characteristics on the clarity, stability and efficiency of the<br>ponds.<br><br>Solar ponds have been built and operated by research and development organisations throughout the world in order to investigate their application to areas including space heating, heat for crop drying, process heat, and electricity generation from renewable resources.<br><br>A solar pond is a relatively inexpensive solar collector and thermal storage device. Costs for complete systems (solar pond, heat exchangers, and pumps) range from $50 to $150 per square meter ($5 to $15 per square foot) of pond surface area, depending on the<br>application and site suitability. Operating costs of solar ponds are low when compared to those of fossil fuel systems.<br><br>This thesis is written in order to share technical expertise with other researchers and other interested parties in relation to solar pond technology.<br>