Questions and Answers
What occurs in Step 1 of Eutrophication?
What is promoted during Step 2 of Eutrophication?
Plant growth, especially that of algae
What phenomenon occurs in Step 3 of Eutrophication?
Algal bloom
What happens to algae in Step 4 of Eutrophication?
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What is increased as a result of the decomposition of algae in Step 5?
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What occurs in Step 6 of Eutrophication?
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What happens to aquatic life in Step 7 of Eutrophication?
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Study Notes
Steps of Eutrophication
- Eutrophication begins with excess nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, entering a water body, often due to runoff from agriculture, wastewater, and industrial discharges.
- These nutrients stimulate the rapid growth of aquatic plants, particularly algae, creating an abundant food source in the water.
- A significant increase in algae leads to an algal bloom, characterized by thick green mats or layers floating on the surface of the water. This process can block light from reaching other aquatic plants.
- Following the algal bloom, the algae eventually die off and decompose, resulting in increased activity from bacteria that break down the organic material.
- The decomposition process consumes substantial amounts of oxygen from the water, leading to a rise in biological oxygen demand (BOD), a measure of the amount of oxygen required by aerobic microorganisms.
- As bacterial decomposition progresses, oxygen levels in the water decrease significantly, creating hypoxic or anoxic conditions harmful to aquatic life.
- The lack of oxygen ultimately results in the mortality of fish, macroinvertebrates, and other aquatic organisms, disrupting the ecosystem and leading to decreased biodiversity.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the eutrophication process with this quiz. Explore the five key steps that illustrate how excess nutrients affect water bodies and lead to ecological changes. Perfect for environmental science enthusiasts and students.
