Question

How does the dead zone in the Gulf affect the organisms and the transfer of matter and energy in the ecosystem?

Answer 1

The eutrophication process has severe environmental impacts. Dead zones result from these impacts, which include algal blooms and hypoxia.

Phosphorous, nitrogen, and other nutrients increase the productivity or fertility of marine ecosystems. Organisms such as phytoplankton, algae, and seaweeds will grow quickly and excessively on the water’s surface. This rapid development of algae and phytoplankton is called an algal bloom. Algal blooms can create dead zones beneath them.