Final answer:
Heat islands directly cause thermal pollution by increasing temperatures in urban areas, leading to negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of pollution that heat islands directly cause is thermal pollution. Heat islands refer to urban areas that have significantly higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to human activities. These areas amplify pollution from sources such as vehicles, industrial activities, and buildings, leading to increased temperature levels and the formation of thermal pollution.
Thermal pollution occurs when heat is released into bodies of water or the atmosphere, causing a rise in temperature. Heat islands contribute to this phenomenon by increasing the temperature in urban areas. For instance, concrete and asphalt absorb and retain heat, releasing it into the surrounding environment.
This rise in temperature can have negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems, disrupting the natural balance and potentially harming aquatic life.
Learn more about Heat island effect and its impact on pollution