Thermal Pollution

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to thermal pollution and its effects on aquatic ecosystems.

Thermal Pollution

Occurs when heat released into water produces negative effects on organisms in that ecosystem.

Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

The amount of oxygen that is present in water, essential for aquatic life.

Inverse relationship between water temperature and oxygen solubility

As water temperature increases, the solubility of oxygen decreases.

Thermal Shock

The increased respiration rate in aquatic organisms due to sudden changes in water temperature.

Sources of Thermal Pollution

Includes power plants, steel mills, paper mills, nuclear power plants, and urban stormwater runoff that contribute warm water to local surface waters.

Cooling Towers

Structures used in power plants to cool steam back into water and hold warmed water before returning it to surface waters.

Environmental concept

Understanding how heat and temperature variations impact aquatic ecosystems and the organisms living within them.

Urban Stormwater Runoff

Rainwater runoff that collects heat from surfaces like blacktop/asphalt, contributing to thermal pollution.