I need help trying to figure out what the main idea of the passage is because I don't really understand it.
The natural process of eutrophication is accelerated when inorganic plant nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, enter the watr from sewage and fertilizer runoff. Eutrophication caused by humans is called artificial eutrophication. Fertilizer from farms, lawns, and gardens is the largest source of nutrients that cause artificial eutrophication. Phosphates in some laundry and dishwashing detergents are another major cause of eutrophication. Phosphorus is a plant nutrient that can cause the excessive growth of algae. In bodies of water polluted by phosphorus, algae can form large floating mats, called algal blooms. As the algae die and decompose, most of the dissolved oxygen is used and fish ans other organisms suffocate in the oxygen depleted water.
a.Decomposing algal blooms deplete oxygen from bodies of water
b.Fertilizer runoff causes artifical eutrophication
c.Artifical eutrophication damages bodies of water
d.Phosphates in detergents are the major cause of eutrophication
I picked d. Is that correct?
They are all correct.
While it is true that all the statements in the answer choices are mentioned in the passage, we need to select the statement that best captures the main idea of the passage. To determine the main idea, we should look for the central theme or message that the passage conveys.
In this passage, the main idea revolves around the process of eutrophication and its causes. It explains how the entry of inorganic plant nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, into water from human activities accelerates eutrophication. The passage further discusses how fertilizer runoff, including that from farms, lawns, and gardens, is the largest source of nutrients causing artificial eutrophication. It also mentions that phosphates in detergents contribute to eutrophication. Finally, the passage explains the detrimental effects of eutrophication, such as the formation of algal blooms and the subsequent depletion of oxygen in the water, leading to the suffocation of fish and other organisms.
Considering all these points, option c. "Artificial eutrophication damages bodies of water" best captures the main idea of the passage. It summarizes the negative impact of the process described and ties together the cause, effect, and overall theme of the passage.