Thermal pollution

By mihira pabbisetti

Thermal pollution

Thermal pollution is a type of water pollution that occurs when human activities cause a sudden, unnatural change in the temperature of a natural body of water, which can disrupt and degrade aquatic ecosystems. It's essentially the alteration of a water body's natural temperature, either a rise or a drop, due to human activities.

What is thermal pollution?

Disrupted ecosystems: Changes in water temperature can harm aquatic organisms, alter their behavior, and disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems. Reduced oxygen levels: Warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen, which can suffocate fish and other aquatic life. Increased disease: Warmer water can promote the growth of harmful bacteria and other pathogens. Species displacement: Some species may be unable to survive in the altered temperature conditions, leading to their displacement or even extinction.

EFFECTS

1. Industrial cooling: Power plants and other industries use large amounts of water for cooling, and then discharge this warmer water back into the environment.
2. Urban runoff: Runoff from paved surfaces (roads, sidewalks, parking lots) can heat up and enter waterways.
3. Agricultural runoff: Warm water from irrigation and other agricultural activities can also contribute to thermal pollution.
4. Other sources: Untreated sewage, deforestation, and soil erosion can also contribute to thermal pollution.

Causes

Its impact

It disrupts aquatic ecosystems by decreasing dissolved oxygen, impacting biodiversity, and affecting aquatic life's reproduction and survival.

Solutions

Dry Cooling Systems Use air instead of water to cool machinery, minimizing water use. Best suited for dry climates but are less efficient and more expensive than water cooling. A small amount of water is reused, while some evaporates during the cooling process. Recycling Wastewater Wastewater can be cooled and reused multiple times in a cooling tower or artificial lake. Heated water can be repurposed for heating buildings, greenhouses, livestock shelters, or fishponds, especially in cold climates. Cooling Ponds & Towers Cooling ponds: Shallow reservoirs that naturally release heat into the atmosphere. Cooling towers: More efficient, using water jets to maximize heat loss through air exposure.

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