The effect of sound on water and its potential for causing damage can vary depending on various factors such as the intensity, duration, frequency, and distance of the sound source from the water. However, I can provide you with some general guidelines.
Water has different acoustic properties compared to air, and sound waves can travel more efficiently through water. Additionally, water can act as a medium for transferring energy, which means that high-intensity sounds in water can have greater potential for causing damage compared to similar sounds in air.
The threshold for potential damage to aquatic life in water is generally considered to be around 160 to 180 decibels (dB) for short-duration sounds (milliseconds to seconds) and around 120 dB for longer-duration sounds (minutes to hours). These levels can cause physical damage to fish, marine mammals, and other aquatic organisms, including damage to their hearing organs and tissues.
It's important to note that these values are approximate, and different species may have varying sensitivity to sound. Additionally, prolonged exposure to lower intensity sounds can also have negative impacts on marine life.
If you work with devices that emit high-intensity sounds in water, it is crucial to follow safety guidelines and regulations specific to your industry. Consult with experts or regulatory bodies in your field for more precise information and guidelines to ensure the protection of aquatic environments and organisms.
Furthermore, it's recommended to conduct proper risk assessments, monitor sound levels during operations, and implement mitigation measures as necessary to minimize potential harm to the surrounding environment.