Environmental Issues Concerning Use Of Nitrogen-Containing Fertilisers

Question 1

What negative effects does using nitrogen contain fertilisers have

Answer 1

Reduced species diversity- because nitrogen rich soils favour the growth of grasses, nettles and other rapidly growing species. These out compete many other species, which die as a result

Leaching - which may lead to pollution of watercourses

Eutrophication- caused by leaching of fertilisers into watercourses

Question 2

What is leaching

Answer 2

The process by which nutrients are removed from the soil

Question 3

Describe the process of leaching

Answer 3

Rainwater will dissolve any soluble nutrients, such as nitrate ions, and carry them deep into the soil, eventually beyond the reach of plant roots

The leached nitrate ions find their way into watercourses, such as streams and rivers, that in turn may drain into freshwater lakes.

May have harmful effects on humans if it’s drinking water - link to stomach cancer

Question 4

What is eutrophication

Answer 4

The process by which nutrients concentrations increase in bodies of water

Question 5

Describe eutrophication

Answer 5

Fertilisers are washed into waterways called leaching

Alagal bloom on occurs - plants algae grows rapidly on surface of water and blocks light

Plants lower down cannot get light to photosynthesise so die

Dead materials destroyed by microorganisms

These microorganisms respire and remove oxygen from water

Oxygen levels decrease in water

Fish etc then die as not enough oxygen available

Anaerobic population rises they further decompose dead material, releasing more nitrogen and toxic wastes