Question

State whether the following statement is true or false:

Thermal pollution refers to the release of only hot gases into the atmosphere.

Answer 1

This statement is false.

Explanation: 

Thermal pollution primarily refers to the sudden increase or decrease in the temperature of a natural body of water (such as a river, lake, or ocean). It most commonly occurs when power plants and industrial manufacturers take in water to use as a coolant and then release the heated water back into the environment. This sudden temperature change reduces oxygen levels and can severely harm marine ecosystems. It does not refer solely to the release of hot gases into the atmosphere.