Question

3. What are the potential effects of introducing too much

nitrogen and phosphorus into an aquatic ecosystem?
Select all correct answers.
a. Fish populations would increase.
b. Aquatic organisms would die off.
c. Water would become clearer.
d. Algae would grow out of control.
e. Oxygen levels would increase.

Answer 1

Excess nitrogen and phosphorus in water can lead to cultural eutrophication, triggering algal blooms that deplete oxygen and create dead zones, which can kill aquatic life and release harmful toxins.

Step-by-step explanation:

Introducing too much nitrogen and phosphorus into an aquatic ecosystem can have severe consequences. One major effect is the development of cultural eutrophication, where these nutrients lead to the excessive growth of aquatic producers such as algae. When these algae bloom and then die, they become oxygen-demanding waste, which consumes the dissolved oxygen in the water and creates a condition known as hypoxia. This can result in a dead zone, which is an area where the oxygen level is so low that aquatic life cannot survive. Large-scale fish kills and the death of other aquatic organisms, such as shellfish, are common outcomes of these dead zones. Another impact is the potential release of toxins from certain types of harmful algal blooms, which can be detrimental to humans and other animals.