Which of the following is NOT an impact of thermal aquatic pollution?

Thermal aquatic pollution refers to the increase in water temperature due to human activities such as industrial discharges and urban runoff. Elevated temperatures can have various effects on aquatic ecosystems.

The correct answer indicates that decreased respiration rates of organisms is not an impact of thermal pollution. In fact, higher water temperatures typically lead to increased metabolic rates in aquatic organisms, causing them to use oxygen more quickly, which may strain their respiratory systems rather than decrease their respiration rates.

In contrast, increased growth of aquatic plants is often observed as a direct effect of thermal pollution, as warmer temperatures can enhance photosynthesis and nutrient uptake. Similarly, decreased oxygen levels in water is a significant impact since warm water holds less dissolved oxygen, making it more challenging for aquatic life to survive. Altered breeding patterns of fish are also a consequence because many fish depend on specific temperature ranges for spawning; thermal shifts can disrupt these cycles, leading to changes in reproduction.

Thus, the identification of decreased respiration rates as not being an impact illustrates a fundamental understanding of how temperature affects aquatic organisms in ecosystems.