Definitions for "Thermal pollution"
The impairment of water quality through temperature increase; usually occurs as a result of industrial cooling water discharges.
Forestry Operations & Water Quality] A temperature rise in a body of water sufficient to be harmful to aquatic life in the water.
Generally, the discharge of water heated by industrial processes into natural water bodies. Also, the "waste heat" generated by industrial processes, such as those associated with petrochemical facilities, coke ovens, and flares, that result in large "plumes" of heated ambient air released into the atmosphere.