EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Heat released into rivers, streams, lakes, or reservoirs by use of surface water as a coolant lowers the quality of the habitat, and is thus thermal pollution.

Detailed explanation-2: -Thermal pollution is the discharge of heated water into bodies of water. The main contributors to thermal heat pollution are thermal or nuclear power plants; industrial effluents such as petroleum refineries, pulp and paper mills, chemical plants, steel mills and smelters; sewage effluents; and biochemical activity.

Detailed explanation-3: -A common cause of thermal pollution is the use of water as a coolant by power plants and industrial manufacturers. Urban runoff-stormwater discharged to surface waters from rooftops, roads and parking lots-and reservoirs can also be a source of thermal pollution.

Detailed explanation-4: -Thermal pollution is a rapid change in temperature in a natural body of water. This pollution is most often caused by heated discharge from an industrial facility or another human activity. Thermal pollution can result in disruptions in natural systems and stress, disease, or even death for affected organisms.