lämpösaasteen

Lämpösaaste, also known as thermal pollution, refers to the degradation of water quality by any process that changes ambient water temperature. This can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems. The most common cause of thermal pollution is the use of water as a coolant by power plants and industrial manufacturers.

In power plants, water is drawn from a natural source, like a river or lake, and then used to cool down steam in the condensers. This heated water is then discharged back into the source. Similarly, industrial processes often require water for cooling, leading to the release of warmer water.

The elevated temperatures of discharged water can significantly impact aquatic life. Fish and other organisms are adapted to specific temperature ranges, and even small increases can disrupt their metabolic processes, reduce their reproductive success, and make them more susceptible to disease. Warmer water also holds less dissolved oxygen, which is crucial for the survival of many aquatic species. This can lead to fish kills and a decline in biodiversity.

Furthermore, thermal pollution can alter the composition of aquatic ecosystems. Species that are more tolerant of warmer water may thrive, while those that are sensitive to temperature changes may disappear. This shift can disrupt food webs and the overall balance of the ecosystem.

Efforts to mitigate thermal pollution include using cooling towers or ponds to lower the temperature of discharged water before it enters natural bodies of water. These methods help to reduce the impact on aquatic environments and preserve biodiversity.