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Questions and Answers
What is the initial effect of untreated sewage entering a river?
What is the initial effect of untreated sewage entering a river?
The presence of certain lichens on a tree trunk can indicate high levels of air pollution.
The presence of certain lichens on a tree trunk can indicate high levels of air pollution.
False
What occurs during the process of leaching related to nitrate fertilizers?
What occurs during the process of leaching related to nitrate fertilizers?
Nitrate fertilizers wash into waterways.
Lichens are commonly used as ________ species to indicate air pollution.
Lichens are commonly used as ________ species to indicate air pollution.
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Match the following organisms to their pollution indication:
Match the following organisms to their pollution indication:
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What happens to plants when algae blooms prevent sunlight from reaching them?
What happens to plants when algae blooms prevent sunlight from reaching them?
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High levels of oxygen in water can cause aquatic insects and fish to suffocate.
High levels of oxygen in water can cause aquatic insects and fish to suffocate.
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What is the primary consequence of increased microbial activity in water during eutrophication?
What is the primary consequence of increased microbial activity in water during eutrophication?
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Study Notes
Eutrophication
- Eutrophication is a process where pollutants disrupt the equilibrium of food chains.
Sewage Pollution
- Untreated sewage leads to a dramatic increase in microorganisms.
- These microorganisms consume oxygen for aerobic respiration, reducing dissolved oxygen.
- Reduced dissolved oxygen harms aquatic organisms like fish and insects.
Nitrate Fertilizer Pollution
- Nitrate fertilizers, being soluble, are easily washed into waterways (leaching).
- Increased nitrates lead to excessive algae and plant growth.
- Excessive plant growth forms a bloom, blocking sunlight.
- Light deprivation causes aquatic plants to die.
- Bacteria decompose the dead plants, consuming oxygen in respiration.
- Low oxygen levels suffocate aquatic organisms.
- The process can lead to a lifeless lake.
Eutrophication Steps (Farmer's Actions)
- Excessive nutrients (nitrates) from fertilizers are flushed into waterways by rainwater.
- These nutrients cause increased growth of aquatic plants (algae).
- Algae blooms block sunlight from reaching other water plants, leading to their death.
- Dead plants are decomposed by bacteria, which consume oxygen during respiration.
- Oxygen levels drop dramatically.
- Fish and other aquatic organisms suffocate due to low oxygen levels.
Indicator Species
- Indicator species are organisms used to assess pollution levels.
- Their presence/absence suggests the level of pollution.
Air Pollution Indicators
- Lichens are air pollution indicators.
- Many lichens can only grow in areas without air pollutants (e.g., those from traffic).
Water Pollution Indicators
- Freshwater invertebrates are used to assess water pollution levels.
- Some organisms tolerate pollution, others don't.
- Polluted water is demonstrated by an acidic pH or lack of oxygen.
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Description
This quiz explores the concept of eutrophication, detailing how pollutants disrupt aquatic ecosystems, particularly through sewage and nitrate fertilizer pollution. Understanding these processes is crucial for recognizing the impact of human activities on water quality and aquatic life.
