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The phosphorus is a limiting factor for algae growth? Why or why not?

User Zilberman Rafael
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1 Answer

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Answer:

Phosphorus can be a limiting factor for algae growth

Step-by-step explanation:

Phosphorus and nitrogen are essential for algae growth. An increase in these nutrients causes the growth of algae to rapidly increase. This can be harmful to other plants and organisms living in the pond/sea, as the rapid increase in algae blocks sunlight from reaching the bottom of the pond. This kills plants that require sunlight to photosynthesise and saprobiotic bacteria decomposes this matter, by using oxygen. In turn this depletes oxygen available for any surviving plants and other fish species living in the area, causing them to die as they need oxygen to respire.

This process is called eutrophication where the increase in Phosphorus and nitrogen leading to a dense growth in plant matter

Hope this helps!

User Rodrigo Real
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