Question

In the aquarium ecosystem, what are the sources of water nitrogen and sulfur?

1) Fish waste
2) Decaying plants and animals
3) Fertilizers and pesticides
4) All of the above

Answer 1

All sources listed contribute to nitrogen and sulfur in an aquarium ecosystem. Excess nutrients from these sources can cause eutrophication leading to oxygen depletion and harms aquatic life.

Step-by-step explanation:

In an aquarium ecosystem, the sources of water nitrogen and sulfur include fish waste, decaying plants and animals, and potentially from fertilizers and pesticides, if they are introduced into the system. Hence, the correct answer to the question is '4) All of the above.'

Excess nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizer runoff and sewage can lead to eutrophication, causing harmful algal blooms which eventually die and decay. This process depletes the dissolved oxygen in the water, resulting in the death of aquatic organisms such as fish and shellfish, and the formation of dead zones. Similarly, sulfur can enter aquatic ecosystems through runoff, atmospheric deposition, and geothermal vents, supporting certain marine life forms but also potentially contributing to issues like acid rain when released in excess by human activities.