eutrophication Flashcards
1
Q
eutrophication
A
the process that happens when too many nutrients are added to the water/system
2
Q
what does eutrophication cause?
A
an algal bloom
3
Q
first 4 steps
A
- fertiliser is added
- heavy rain washes fertiliser off
- nitrates and phosphates dissolve in water
- nitrates and phosphates not taken up by plants are washed into stream/river
4
Q
last 4 steps
A
- high nitrate and phosphates concentrations in the water encourage plants and algae to grow rapidly
- surface plants block sunlight so plants in the water die and stop producing oxygen through photosynthesis
- bacteria that break down dead materials increase in numbers and use up more oxygen from water
- oxygen concentration in water decreases and many animals such as dish die due to lack of oxygen
5
Q
what might happen to aquatic plants due to eutrophication and why?
A
-may die as they don’t get enough light for photosynthesis due to algal bloom blocking and absorbing the sunlight
6
Q
what might happen to aquatic organisms due to eutrophication and why?
A
-they may die as the bacteria use up all the oxygen (water turns anoxic) so organisms can’t respire (reduced energy supply)
7
Q
what do you call water with no oxygen?
A
anoxic
