Example of gas supersaturation in river outlet,, at Brokke power plant which regulates the river Otra in Agder region, Southern Norway.
Video: Sebastian Franz Stranzl
When gas supersaturation occurs, fish and benthic organisms are at risk of developing gas bubble disease, similar to decompression sickness in humans. The impact gradually diminishes with increasing distance from the power plant outlet and water depth.
Gas supersaturation can be monitored, avoided, and reduced. If power plants and dams are designed adequately, the risk of gas supersaturation can be minimized. However, even in existing power plants, gas supersaturation can be reduced.
