Thermal pollution

In thermal pollution, the temperature of a body of water is unintentionally raised as a result of human activities.

Causes of thermal pollution

Hot water is discharged into nearby lakes and rivers from the effluents of industrial processes and the cooling towers of electrical power stations which use water as a cooling agent. The excess heat that is released into the environment leads to thermal pollution. Thermal pollution causes the temperature in a body of water to rise above the normal value. The increase in temperature can be between 5 and 10.

Effects of thermal pollution

Water temperature can affect the level of dissolved oxygen. When the temperature of water increases, oxygen becomes less soluble in water. For some species, a sudden increase in temperature can lead to instant death because many aquatic species can only survive within a certain range of temperature. The death of these species may have a negative effect on the food chain, causing the entire ecosystem to collapse. For other species, for example, algae, an increase in temperature actually encourages their rapid growth which, in turn, leads to a higher B.O.D. value. If the temperature increase continues over a long period, this may result in permanent changes in the species composition of the aquatic ecosystem.

Ways to prevent thermal pollution

Control the amount of hot water discharged from industrial plants and power stations into the surrounding lakes and rivers. Control the amount of hot water or industrial effluents discharged into still or slow-moving rivers.

Noise pollution
Noise from cars, motorcycles, aeroplanes, construction sites, agricultural and industrial machinery can be a form of pollution. The noise level of residential areas should not exceed 55 decibels (dB). According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), prolonged exposure to noise levels at or above 80 decibels (dB) can lead to deafness. Excessive exposure to high levels of noise is considered a health risk because noise can contribute to stress-related problems such as high blood pressure, coronary disease, ulcers, depression and headaches. Loud noise can cause an arousal response in which a series of reactions occurs in the body. Adrenaline is released into the bloodstream. A persons heartbeat rate, blood pressure and respiration rate are likely to increase. The blood vessels constrict and the muscles become tense. It is possible that repetitive or constant exposure to noise can be harmful to health.