Thermal Pollution

Thermal pollution happens when the temperature of a natural body of water unexpectedly rises or falls. Industrial machines and power plants largely cause thermal pollution. When industrial plants and power plants use water from a natural source, thermal pollution is an example. When the water is returned to the source, its temperature changes. Thermal pollution is a serious issue in today’s culture. Some of the most serious impacts of thermal pollution are changes in oxygen levels. It also hampers the ecosystem and destroys the community.

What do you mean by Thermal pollution?

Thermal pollution is described as an unexpected change in the temperature of natural water bodies such as a lake, ocean, pond, or river by human activities. Thermal pollution generally occurs when an industry uses the water from a natural resource & returns it at a different temperature. Typically, these facilities use it to cool their machinery or aid in producing their products.

Plants that generate a variety of products and wastewater treatment facilities are one of the major sources of this significant exodus of thermal pollution. Humans and governments have made numerous attempts to successfully manage how plants use water to control & maintain thermal pollution adequately.

What are the effects of thermal pollution?

When it comes to the impacts of thermal pollution, some people may perceive them as beneficial, while others may consider them as harmful. In reality, it’s most likely a combination of the two. While there are numerous negative effects on marine ecosystems, essential aspects of human life would not exist if industries did not function as they do. Thermal pollution-producing industries produce a wide range of items that humans require. On the other hand, the impacts of thermal pollution on ecosystems may be significant. The following are some of the consequences of thermal pollution:-

Warm water effects: The rise in temperature decreases the percentage of oxygen dissolved in water because the gases are less soluble in the warm water. This could harm aquatic animals like amphibians, fish and other aquatic organisms. As gases are less soluble in hotter liquids, the increased temperature often lowers the level of dissolved oxygen and water. The more acclimated species migrating in may have the edge over organisms that are not used to the warmer temperature due to an enhanced metabolic rate. As a result, both old and new habitats’ food chains may be compromised. Several fish species avoid coastal areas or Stream segments near a thermal discharge.

Reduces the dissolved oxygen level (DO level): The temperature of the water rises as a result of thermal pollution. DO is reduced because warm water holds less oxygen than cold water. As a result, plants and animals may succumb to suffocation. Warmer water temperatures can also encourage algae growth on the water’s surface. This can also reduce the amount of oxygen in the water.

Biogeochemical effects: Water warming, rather than water cooling, has been the subject of most research in terms of biogeochemical impacts. The long-term consequences of nuclear power stations on lakes after they have been removed are the focus of much of this research. Overall, there is consensus that thermal pollution causes rising water temperatures. Short-term water temperature rises in response to electrical demands while power plants are operational, with more cooling water released during the winter months. Even after plants have been removed, water warming has been observed to remain in systems for long durations.

Ecological Impact: Some aquatic animals can be harmed by small temperature fluctuations. Plants, insects, and amphibians can all die in large numbers as a result of thermal pollution Some species, such as algae, however, benefit from the heat.

What are the causes of thermal pollution?

Human actions and natural reasons both contribute to thermal pollution. While there are many explanations for this, they all have the same impact. The impact of thermal pollution will be discussed in the following section. So, the causes of thermal pollution are:-

• In industrial plants, water is used as a cooling agent. As previously stated, cool water is frequently used to cool machinery. The water cools the machinery, but the mechanism heats the water and returns it to its source. Thermal pollution arises as a result.
• Erosion of the soil Water bodies can rise as a result of soil erosion. As a result, aquatic bodies are exposed to more sunshine, causing water temperatures to change.
• Surface runoff from paved areas Water temperature can be influenced by runoff from parking lots, roadways and other surfaces. Temperatures might rise during the summer, resulting in warm water discharge. Thermal pollution can occur if runoff reaches sewer systems and aquatic bodies.
• Natural occurrences Thermal pollution is caused by more than just humans. Excess heat in bodies of water can be caused by natural factors such as geothermal vents, hot springs and volcanoes. In addition, lightning can cause heat to be released into bodies of water.
• Deforestation Humans and water bodies can both benefit from the shade provided by trees and plants. When trees are cut down, the shade disappears, and we are left with direct sunlight shining on water bodies. As a result, the temperature of the water may rise.

Conclusion

In the above chapter, we have discussed thermal pollution. It is the degradation of the quality of water caused by any process that alters ambient water temperature. The rise or reduction in the temperature of a natural body of water induced by human intervention is known as thermal pollution. Unlike chemical pollution, thermal pollution causes a change in the physical qualities of water. The use of water as a coolant by factories and industrial enterprises is a common source of thermal pollution.