13.5 environmental issues concerning use of nitrogen containing fertilisers

Question 1

eutrophication

Answer 1

• more growth of algae
• blocks light
• plants lower down unable to photosynthesise
• less O2 produced
• dead plant material present is broken down by saprobionts
• respiration depletes O2 in water
• other organisms unable to respire die

Question 2

leaching

Answer 2

• soluble nutrients will be carried deep into soil by rainwater

Question 3

negative effect of fertilisers

Answer 3

• reduced species diversity
• leaching
• eutrophication