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True or false, ground level ozone contributes to nutrient pollution

User Nfys
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Final answer:

Ground-level ozone contributes to nutrient pollution because oxides of nitrogen, which are part of its formation, can be deposited in coastal waters, leading to eutrophication and potential harm to aquatic life. The given statement is true.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement is true. Ground-level ozone, or tropospheric ozone, is formed by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the presence of sunlight. While it is known for causing health issues and being a key component of smog, NOx also contributes to nutrient pollution in coastal waters. This form of pollution is due to the fact that NOx in the atmosphere can settle into bodies of water, promoting excessive growth of algae which can harm marine ecosystems and reduce biodiversity.

Breathing in ground-level ozone can trigger health problems, particularly for those with lung diseases such as asthma, as well as cause damage to crops and ecosystems. This kind of ozone should not be confused with the protective ozone layer found high in the Earth's atmosphere. Furthermore, ozone at ground level is a significant greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change by trapping heat.

User ChrisBe
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