A factory is built next to a river that feeds directly into a lake. The factory takes water from the river and uses it in the manufacturing process. While the factory is careful not to introduce any chemicals into the water before returning it to the river, the water temperature increases by 10C when the factory returns it to the river. Describe three likely effects on the organisms in the surrounding habitats.

Question

A factory is built next to a river that feeds directly into a lake. The factory takes water from the river and uses it in the manufacturing process. While the factory is careful not to introduce any chemicals into the water before returning it to the river, the water temperature increases by 10C when the factory returns it to the river. Describe three likely effects on the organisms in the surrounding habitats.

Answer 1

1. Decreased oxygen levels: Warmer water can hold less dissolved oxygen, which is essential for aquatic organisms like fish and insects to survive. Decreased oxygen levels can lead to suffocation and death of these organisms, potentially disrupting the entire aquatic ecosystem.

2. Changes in species composition: The increase in water temperature may favor certain species that are more tolerant of warmer temperatures, while negatively impacting species that are sensitive to changes in temperature. This could result in shifts in the abundance and diversity of species in the surrounding habitats.

3. Harmful algal blooms: Warmer water temperatures can promote the growth of algae, leading to an increase in harmful algal blooms. These blooms can release toxins that are harmful to aquatic organisms, as well as deplete oxygen levels in the water, further threatening the survival of fish and other organisms in the ecosystem.