The addition of fertilizer may lead to nutrient runoff, causing eutrophication and negatively impacting water quality and aquatic life downstream.
The introduction of fertilizer into a water system can have significant consequences on downstream aquatic ecosystems. Fertilizers often contain elevated levels of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. When these nutrients enter water bodies through runoff or direct application, they can trigger a process known as eutrophication.
Eutrophication is characterized by an excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants due to the abundance of nutrients. As these organisms proliferate, they consume oxygen during decomposition, leading to oxygen depletion in the water. This depletion can result in hypoxic or anoxic conditions, negatively affecting fish and other aquatic organisms that rely on sufficient oxygen levels.
Furthermore, the accelerated growth of algae can form algal blooms, creating dense mats on the water's surface. These blooms can block sunlight from reaching lower depths, disrupting the natural balance of the aquatic ecosystem. Additionally, the decomposition of excess organic matter by bacteria further depletes oxygen levels.
Complete ques:
How would the addition of fertilizer impact the downstream aquatic ecosystem?