Question

How do industries increase thermal pollution?

Answer 1

Industries contribute to thermal pollution by releasing hot water or air into the environment, which disrupts ecosystems and alters natural temperature balances. This issue is especially acute in the energy-intensive and manufacturing industries.

1. Thermal power plants are major contributors. These plants use water for cooling generators and turbines, discharging heated water back into rivers or lakes. For instance, plants along the Ganga in India release warm water, raising river temperatures and affecting aquatic life, such as fish that require specific thermal conditions.
2. Heat is generated by industrial processes through machinery and chemical reactions. Steel mills, refineries, and cement plants generate excess heat, which, if not controlled, escapes into the sky or neighbouring aquatic bodies. Localised heating changes microclimates and destroys biodiversity, as demonstrated in Maharashtra’s industrial zones.
3. Poor cooling system design exacerbates the issue. Many companies lack efficient heat exchange systems, resulting in the direct discharge of hot effluent. The absence of cooling towers or reservoirs in smaller plants increases thermal discharge, affecting groundwater and soil temperatures over time.