Thermal pollution true statement?

Thermal pollution true statement?

• A. It raises water temperature and increases dissolved oxygen
• B. It has no effect on aquatic life
• C. It only affects air quality
• D. It lowers oxygen levels due to warm water discharge

Answer: (D)

Thermal pollution works by heating water bodies, which lowers the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water because oxygen solubility decreases as temperature rises. When warm water is discharged into rivers, lakes, or streams, the water can hold less oxygen, making it harder for fish and other aquatic organisms to breathe and survive. This can stress or kill species, alter feeding and breeding, and shift the balance of the ecosystem. That’s why the statement about warm water discharge lowering oxygen levels is the accurate reflection of thermal pollution. The idea that it raises oxygen is incorrect for the same reason—warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen. Saying it has no effect on aquatic life overlooks how temperature changes influence metabolism and habitat suitability, and claiming it only affects air quality ignores the direct, well-documented impacts on water quality and aquatic ecosystems.

Thermal pollution works by heating water bodies, which lowers the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water because oxygen solubility decreases as temperature rises. When warm water is discharged into rivers, lakes, or streams, the water can hold less oxygen, making it harder for fish and other aquatic organisms to breathe and survive. This can stress or kill species, alter feeding and breeding, and shift the balance of the ecosystem.

That’s why the statement about warm water discharge lowering oxygen levels is the accurate reflection of thermal pollution. The idea that it raises oxygen is incorrect for the same reason—warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen. Saying it has no effect on aquatic life overlooks how temperature changes influence metabolism and habitat suitability, and claiming it only affects air quality ignores the direct, well-documented impacts on water quality and aquatic ecosystems.