Eutrophication Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Where is the most likely location of a dead zone in this watershed?

Eutrophication is a?

Bad sign for ecosystem

Which process would most likely increase the dissolved oxygen level in a freshwater lake?

Photosynthesis

How can an algal bloom (eutrophication) lead to a decrease in dissolved oxygen?

Decreased light penetration limits photosynthesis and bacteria consume oxygen as they decompose dead algae and other organisms. Signup and view all the answers

We can prevent eutrophication by?

Picking up dog poop and putting it in the trash, landscaping with native plants that need less fertilizer, not using fertilizer on our lawns. Signup and view all the answers

The two critical nutrients in eutrophication are?

Nitrates and phosphates Signup and view all the answers

A new golf course is built next to a river. Over the past several months, the nitrate levels of the water in the river have been increasing. Which best explains the cause of the increasing nitrate levels?

Runoff from fertilizer Signup and view all the answers

Eutrophication is caused by?

Excess nutrients building up in the water Signup and view all the answers

Why does fertilizer pollution stimulate the growth of algae in a pond?

Algae are producers and use the fertilizer's nutrients to rapidly multiply. Signup and view all the answers

Eutrophication causes?

The killing of fish Signup and view all the answers

Which would most likely happen if too many nutrients entered an estuary?

Algal blooms would lower dissolved oxygen levels, causing fish to suffocate. Signup and view all the answers

How do excess nutrients typically enter a body of water?

Rainwater washes lawn and agricultural fertilizers into the ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

Why do nitrates and phosphates cause algal blooms?

They are critical plant nutrients. Signup and view all the answers

In eutrophication, dissolved oxygen levels decrease because?

Bacteria use it as they decompose organic material. Signup and view all the answers

The scientists measured hypoxia levels. What is hypoxia?

Oxygen deficiency Signup and view all the answers

As P and N build up, the probability of _______________ increases.

Algal blooms Signup and view all the answers

Why should farmers be concerned about unused nitrate fertilizer contaminating surface water and groundwater supplies?

Excessive amounts of nutrients speed up the eutrophication process. Signup and view all the answers

How does eutrophication cause the death of aquatic organisms?

The lack of oxygen in the water. Signup and view all the answers

Dead algae and plants are decomposed by?

Bacteria Signup and view all the answers

How does swine farming contribute to eutrophication?

By hog waste runoff. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Eutrophication Overview

Eutrophication is a detrimental process for ecosystems, linked to nutrient overload in water bodies.
Excessive nutrients, particularly nitrates and phosphates, contribute to algal blooms.

Causes of Eutrophication

Runoff from fertilizers used in agriculture and landscaping enhances nutrient levels in water.
Decomposition of dead algae by bacteria consumes dissolved oxygen, leading to hypoxia, or oxygen deficiency.

Effects on Aquatic Life

Decreased dissolved oxygen levels in water adversely affect fish and other aquatic organisms, often resulting in suffocation and death.
Algal blooms inhibit light penetration, further limiting photosynthesis in submerged plants.

Prevention Measures

Proper disposal of pet waste and minimizing fertilizer use can help reduce nutrient runoff.
Landscaping with native plants can create sustainable ecosystems that require less fertilization.

Algal Blooms and Oxygen Levels

Nutrient surplus from fertilizers stimulates rapid algal growth, which can deplete oxygen as algae die and are decomposed.
Rainwater can wash agricultural fertilizers into nearby bodies of water, intensifying the problem.

Importance of Monitoring

Increased nitrate levels due to runoff can signal environmental concerns, particularly for freshwater systems like rivers and lakes.
Understanding hypoxia's effects is crucial for maintaining healthy aquatic habitats.

Impact of Eutrophication on Nutrient Cycling

As phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) concentrations rise, the likelihood of algal blooms escalates, disrupting the natural balance of aquatic systems.
Farmers must be aware of nutrient runoff to prevent excessive eutrophication in surface and groundwater resources.

Summary of Eutrophication Dynamics

Eutrophication results from a buildup of nutrients, leading to ecological disruptions characterized by decreased oxygen levels and harmful algal blooms.
Practices such as responsible fertilizer application and waste management can mitigate these environmental impacts.

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Description

This quiz explores the concept of eutrophication and its implications for ecosystems. Test your knowledge on processes like algal blooms, their effects on dissolved oxygen levels, and the locations of dead zones. Perfect for environmental science students or anyone interested in freshwater ecosystems.