Water Nuggets Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Thermal pollution refers to the degradation of water quality due to changes in temperature, primarily from industrial processes or power generation. One major effect of thermal pollution on aquatic ecosystems is the reduction of oxygen levels in the water. Warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen than cooler water, which can lead to hypoxic conditions, especially if the increase in temperature is significant or prolonged. This decrease in dissolved oxygen can adversely affect fish and other aquatic organisms that rely on oxygen for survival, resulting in stress, reduced reproductive success, and even increased mortality rates.

Additionally, these reduced oxygen levels can disrupt the overall balance of aquatic ecosystems, leading to shifts in species composition and potentially even to harmful algal blooms, which further exacerbate oxygen depletion as they die off and decompose. Thus, the connection between thermal pollution and reduced oxygen levels is a critical concern for the health and sustainability of aquatic environments.