The first thought that comes to mind when they talk to us of contamination are carbon emissions, garbage and other issues, but thermal pollution is also an important problem in our current society, which has very powerful effects on ecosystems and living beings. It may not know what this type of pollution is not well known, but in reality we know more than we believe since we have all heard about global warming and climate change and, thermal pollution, it is closely linked to it.
In this ecology article, we will deal with What is thermal pollution and what are its causes.
What is thermal pollution
Can Define thermal pollution in a more colloquial way as a process that modifies the temperature of the environment in a harmful way. This modification can be both a rise and a temperature drop, which can negatively affect air quality, water and also living beings.
It is more common that thermal pollution is manifested in the aquatic environment, because in the air this type of pollution can be dispersed faster. Although, it is not without suffering it, for example, through air conditioning devices that emit heat to the street.
In addition, the high thermal inertia of water makes it an ideal element to store heat. This fact is used by thermal plants, since they do not convert all the chemical energy into electricity and release the rest in the form of heat, so they need a cooling system. However, before throwing this water at high temperatures in rivers and seas, they make it pass through an evaporation tower that reduces part of this temperature. This process alters some of the physicochemical characteristics of rivers and seas water. For this reason, the centrals are located in the proximity of rivers and seas.
Causes of thermal pollution
Among the main causes of thermal pollution We find the following:
Water use as a cooling system
The main cause of thermal contamination due to this factor is industrial and manufacturing plants. These plants obtain the water from nearby sources to avoid excessive heating of their machines, which then pour again this source but at a higher temperature. When this water is returned to its natural source, the temperature of that body of water increases significantly. This results in decreased oxygen levels, decreased longevity of marine organisms, loss of vegetation or destruction of marine habitats.
Soil erosion
Erosion in the soil, leaves the bodies of water more exposed to the warm -up of the sun. This leads to a damage to aquatic biomes, as it favors anaerobic conditions in these places. In addition, soil erosion entails many more negative consequences. We advise you to read more about this problem that favors thermal contamination: what is the erosion of the soil: causes and consequences and types of erosion.
Deforestation
The vegetation also serves as an impediment for solar energy to reach the ponds, rivers and lakes directly. When there is a deforestation process, the elimination of plants and trees allows water masses to absorb more heat from solar energy. Deforestation is also one of the most important causes of the increase in greenhouse gas concentrations. Know in this other article all about the causes of deforestation, as well as its consequences, among which is this, and its possible solutions.
Paved surface runoff
During the summer season, the pavement is excessive and created hot water runners to sewer and other surface waters.
Natural causes
Among these causes, we find the volcanoes and geothermal activity of the background of the oceans and seas and that can cause it to warm the water bodies. We also find the sun’s rays, which introduce a lot of heat in the oceans.
Consequences of thermal pollution
Finally, we reflect on the consequences of temperature or thermal pollution. Thus, between The negative effects of thermal pollution are:
- Reduction in dissolved oxygen levels: Hot water retains less oxygen than cold water. This drop in oxygen levels can suffocate plants, amphibians, copepods or fish, causing loss of marine biodiversity. In addition, this warm water allows the growth of algae on the surface, which prevents the passage of oxygen and sunlight to marine funds.
- Increase in toxins: The water of the industries that flows to seas and rivers can contain toxins. These toxins can have a negative effect on the ecology of the area, causing more diseases to develop.
- Affects the reproductive system: High temperatures can prevent reproduction in some species, contributing to loss of biodiversity. Sometimes, although they do not prevent reproduction, they can cause malformations of newborns or premature mortality.
- Increase the metabolic rate: High temperatures can increase metabolic rates of species, causing them to consume more food. In turn, this alters the stability and balance of the food chain.
- Migration: The increase or decrease in temperatures can cause species to migrate to environments where conditions are more appropriate, affecting organisms that depend on these species for their survival.
Here you can consult more about the environmental impact of the increase in temperatures.
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