What effect does increasing water temperature due to thermal pollution have on aquatic life?

Increasing water temperature due to thermal pollution has a significant effect on aquatic life, specifically by decreasing dissolved oxygen levels. Warmer water holds less oxygen than cooler water, which is essential for the survival of many aquatic organisms. Fish and other aquatic creatures rely on dissolved oxygen to breathe, so when temperatures rise and oxygen levels fall, these organisms may experience stress or even die off if the conditions persist.

Additionally, higher temperatures can increase the metabolic rates of aquatic organisms, leading to higher oxygen consumption. In areas where thermal pollution is present, such as near power plants or industrial facilities, the rise in temperature can create a hostile environment for fish and invertebrates, ultimately disrupting the aquatic ecosystem and leading to decreased biodiversity. The decrease in dissolved oxygen levels can also result in harmful algal blooms, which further deplete oxygen as they decompose, exacerbating the problem for aquatic life.