Answer:
Thermal pollution refers to the detrimental alteration of water or air temperatures in an environment due to human activities, particularly those associated with industrial processes. Power plants, such as thermal power plants, can contribute to thermal pollution through their operations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Power plants, especially those that generate electricity by burning fossil fuels like coal or natural gas, release a significant amount of heat energy as waste. This waste heat is typically produced during the generation of electricity when the heat is converted into mechanical energy and then into electrical energy. The heat is discharged into the surrounding environment, such as water bodies or the atmosphere, which can cause adverse effects.