Which nutrients are most responsible for eutrophication?
Responses-
carbon and oxygen
nitrogen and oxygen
nitrogen and phosphorus
carbon and phosphorus
The correct answer is: nitrogen and phosphorus.
The correct answer is nitrogen and phosphorus.
The nutrients most responsible for eutrophication are nitrogen and phosphorus. Eutrophication is a process in which water bodies become overly enriched with nutrients, causing excessive growth of plant and algal life. This can lead to a depletion of oxygen in the water, harming aquatic organisms.
To determine which nutrients are responsible for eutrophication, we need to understand where these nutrients come from and their roles in the process. Nitrogen and phosphorus are essential macronutrients for plant growth. They are commonly found in fertilizers, runoff from agricultural lands, wastewater, and industrial discharges. When these nutrients enter water bodies, they act as a fertilizer, promoting the growth of algae and aquatic plants.
The excessive growth of algae and plants caused by nitrogen and phosphorus leads to several negative consequences. As these organisms die and decompose, bacteria consume oxygen in the water, leading to low oxygen levels. This can result in fish kills and other damage to the ecosystem. Additionally, the increased growth of algae can block sunlight from reaching underwater plants, further disrupting the balance of aquatic life.
While carbon and oxygen are important elements for various biological processes, they are not directly responsible for eutrophication. Carbon is a building block of life and is present in organic matter, while oxygen is necessary for respiration. In the context of eutrophication, carbon and oxygen do not play a primary role in the excessive nutrient enrichment and subsequent negative impacts on water bodies.