Why are there concerns with the eutrophication of a waterway?
A. an overabundance of nutrients cause an algal bloom
B. blue-green algae can make people and animals sick
C. lack of oxygen in the water can lead to dead zones
D. all of the above
D. all of the above
D. all of the above
There are concerns with the eutrophication of a waterway because it can lead to an overabundance of nutrients causing an algal bloom, which can have several detrimental effects. Firstly, the excessive growth of algae can block out sunlight, preventing it from reaching aquatic plants and disrupting their photosynthesis process. This can lead to a decrease in the overall plant and animal biodiversity.
Another concern is that some types of algae, particularly blue-green algae, can produce toxins that can be harmful to humans and animals. These toxins can contaminate the water and pose a health risk when consumed or when in contact with skin. This can lead to sickness and even death, depending on the level of toxicity and exposure.
Moreover, as the algal blooms die and decompose, bacteria and other microorganisms consume the dead organic material. This process requires oxygen, and as a result, the oxygen levels in the water can decrease significantly. This leads to hypoxia, or lack of oxygen, which can cause the death of fish and other aquatic organisms. In extreme cases, it can even lead to the formation of dead zones, where no aquatic life can survive.
Therefore, the concerns with eutrophication include the negative impacts on biodiversity, the potential health risks posed by toxic algae, and the creation of dead zones due to oxygen depletion.