thermal pollution
- noun
- /ˈθɜrməl pəˈluːʃən/
- Specialized
- Thermal pollution is already a problem and will grow as water resources dwindle.
Examples
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But the phosphate industries claimed that eutrophication was a natural effect or, if not, that it stemmed from land-use practices, thermal pollution, or the buildup of atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Academic text (2002) -
Also, as far as thermal pollution of the ocean goes, I imagine that greenhouse gases will have a much larger impact on both coastal and deep ocean waters than the discharge water from power plants.
Blog text (11) -
The solution to thermal pollution is greater thermal efficiency.
Blog text (11) -
Similarly, coastal sites can be damaged by thermal pollution.
Blog text (11) -
These predictions gave only cursory attention to the economic implications of containing nuclear externalities, such as accident hazards and thermal pollution.
Academic text (2000) -
Since this is a very small amount (less than 20% of initial reactor thermal output), using the ocean will not pose many issues with local thermal pollution, and with a diffuser pipe system, all is well.
Blog text (32) -
Also, runoff from real estate developments or seepage from wastewater can increase microbial, chemical, and thermal pollution in streams, lakes, and groundwater.
Academic text (2000) -
The coastal Mediterranean could be 3 to 4.5 ° warmer as well, leaving less room for mitigating the effects of thermal pollution if seawater can be used.
Blog text (11) -
The increase in water temperature due to thermal pollution affects the ecosystem negatively.
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Local authorities are working to reduce thermal pollution in the nearby lakes.
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly derivable: 'thermal' (related to heat) modifies 'pollution' (harmful contamination), so the phrase straightforwardly denotes pollution caused by heat or temperature increase. This adjective+noun composition is common and mirrored in many languages (e.g., contaminación térmica / pollution thermique), so a B1 learner who knows both words would readily infer the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
Thermal pollution literally names pollution by heat: thermal means heat and pollution means something harmful put into nature. Picture a factory pipe pouring very hot water into a cold river and making fish sick. So, thermal pollution means a 'harmful increase in water temperature' caused by people.