8.6 Thermal Pollution and Its Effects

How does the solubility of oxygen in water change with temperature?

• Remains constant regardless of temperature

• Only changes in saltwater

• Decreases with higher temperatures

• Increases with higher temperatures

What is the inverse relationship important in the context of thermal pollution?

• There is no relationship between water temperature and dissolved oxygen levels

• Higher water temperatures lead to higher dissolved oxygen levels

• Lower water temperatures lead to higher dissolved oxygen levels

• Higher water temperatures lead to lower dissolved oxygen levels

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What is a direct consequence of decreased dissolved oxygen levels in water due to thermal pollution?

• Increased plant growth

• Decreased fish respiration rates

• Physiological stress in aquatic organisms

• Improved water clarity

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What happens to aquatic organisms when thermal pollution causes water temperatures to rise?

• Their coloration changes to adapt to warmer water

• They begin to reproduce more quickly

• They may suffer from thermal shock and physiological stress

• They adapt immediately to the new temperature

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Which facility is a major contributor to thermal pollution?

• Nuclear power plants

• Wind turbines

• Hydroelectric dams

• Solar farms

What is an example of an industrial process that contributes to thermal pollution?

• Recycling processes

• Water filtration systems

• Steel mills using water to cool machinery

• Agricultural irrigation systems

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How does urban runoff contribute to thermal pollution?

• By reducing the overall water temperature

• By warming water that enters storm drains

• By increasing the chemical content in water

• By cooling down urban surfaces

What role do cooling towers play in managing thermal pollution?

• They store thermal energy for later use

• They increase water temperature

• They decrease the efficiency of power plants

• They help cool down water before it's released back into ecosystems

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What is a potential solution to improve the efficiency of cooling towers in nuclear power plants?

• Using saltwater instead of freshwater

• Holding water for a longer period before release

• Increasing the temperature of cooling water

• Decreasing the amount of water used

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