What effect can increasing water temperatures due to urban heat islands have on aquatic life?

Increasing water temperatures due to urban heat islands can have a harmful effect on aquatic organisms. Elevated temperatures can decrease the solubility of oxygen in water, which is critical for the survival of many aquatic species. Warmer water can also lead to stress for fish and other organisms, as they may become less efficient at oxygen uptake and may struggle to survive in warmer conditions.

Furthermore, higher temperatures can disrupt the delicate balance of aquatic ecosystems, resulting in harmful algal blooms that can produce toxins and deplete oxygen levels as they decompose. These changes can lead to decreased biodiversity, as more sensitive species may be unable to thrive in the altered conditions, ultimately impacting the health of the entire aquatic environment. Thus, the choice that highlights the potential harm to aquatic organisms accurately reflects the consequences of rising water temperatures in urban areas.