Final answer:
The decreased oxygen levels in the lake can be attributed to increased phosphorus loading.
Step-by-step explanation:
Decreasing oxygen levels in the lake can be attributed to
- Not enough aquatic plants
- Too many fish
- Increased phosphorus loading
- Decreased phosphorus loading
The correct answer is
increased phosphorus loading. When there is an excessive amount of phosphorus entering a lake, it leads to eutrophication. This causes algal blooms, which consume oxygen during their decomposition process and result in decreased oxygen levels. Aquatic plants and fish do play a role in balancing the ecosystem, but phosphorus loading is the primary factor affecting oxygen levels in the lake.
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