Question

Thermal pollution is more prevalent near
A.Hot springs
B.Coal based power plants
C.Temperate zones
D.Tropical zones

Answer 1

Hint: Pollution may be defined as an undesirable change in the physical, chemical or biological aspects of Environment which makes it harmful for humans, for other living organisms and for cultural assets.

Complete answer:
Thermal pollution: rise in temperature of air and water due to waste heat from various sources such as thermal power plants, nuclear power plants, industries and automobiles causing undesirable changes in the natural environment are called thermal pollution.

So, the correct answer is option B. Coal based power plants
Additional information:
Effects of thermal pollution
1. Heat causes deoxygenation in water. Therefore, the dissolved oxygen (DO) content of water decreases with the rise in temperature of water.
2. Rise in temperature of water speeds up metabolic activities of aquatic organisms. As a result they acquire more oxygen.
3. High temperature becomes a barrier for oxygen penetration in deep cold waters.
4. Increase in microbial activity in hot water also contributes to the death of fishes.
5. Hot water discharge near shore can disturb spawning, and may also kill fishes.
6. Migration of aquatic animals is affected due to the formation of various thermal zones in water.

Note:
Increase in temperature of water results in increased toxicity of particles, chemicals etc. in the effluents. Cooling ponds spray towers and cooling towers are the method that can be employed to check thermal pollution.