How does thermal pollution affect air pollution?

Thermal pollution significantly affects air pollution by confining pollutants at low altitudes, which increases their concentration. When bodies of water, such as rivers and lakes, are subjected to thermal pollution—often due to industrial discharges of heated water—this can lead to changes in local air temperature. As the temperature of the lower atmosphere rises, warm air can trap pollutants, preventing them from dispersing. This stagnation leads to a buildup of air contaminants, including particulate matter and gases, which can harm human health and degrade air quality.

In contrast, other options do not accurately reflect the dynamics at play. While raising atmospheric temperatures and the dispersion of air pollutants are factors involved in air quality, they do not capture the crucial aspect of how thermal pollution specifically contributes to the concentration of pollutants near the surface. Eliminating the need for emissions control does not align with the reality of environmental regulations and is unrelated to the effects of thermal pollution. Understanding this mechanism is vital for grasping the broader implications of thermal pollution on environmental health and air quality.