Final answer:
Eutrophication negatively affects waterways by causing an increase in nutrient concentration, leading to the growth of algae and depletion of oxygen. A realistic solution to prevent eutrophication near CAFOs is implementing better waste management practices. This solution has the additional environmental benefit of reducing water pollution and protecting human health.
Step-by-step explanation:
Question 1:
Eutrophication negatively affects waterways by causing an increase in the concentration of chemical nutrients in an ecosystem. This leads to the rapid growth of algae and microorganisms, including bacteria. The excessive growth of algae forms thick mats or blooms, which block sunlight from reaching the water and deplete oxygen levels in the water. This can result in the death of fish and other aquatic organisms.
Question 2:
A realistic solution to prevent eutrophication of waterways near concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) is to implement better waste management practices. This can include strategies such as implementing proper storage and treatment systems for animal waste, using cover crops to absorb excess nutrients, and implementing vegetative buffer strips along waterways to filter runoff.
Question 3:
The solution described in (a)(ii) has an additional environmental benefit of reducing the risk of water pollution and its impacts on human health. Proper waste management practices can prevent the contamination of water sources with harmful pathogens and chemicals present in animal waste. This helps protect the overall water quality and ensures the safety of the environment and the communities relying on these water resources.