Increasing population sizes lead to increasing demand for food. Farmers use synthetic fertilizers to add necessary nutrients to the soil so crops can grow. What is the ultimate consequence of this fertilizer use?(1 point)
Responses
death of aquatic organisms
death of aquatic organisms
algal blooms grow rapidly
algal blooms grow rapidly
fertilizer runs off with rainwater
fertilizer runs off with rainwater
deoxygenated water bodies
A B C D?
D. deoxygenated water bodies
The ultimate consequence of fertilizer use is the death of aquatic organisms, algal blooms grow rapidly, fertilizer runs off with rainwater, and deoxygenated water bodies.
To determine the ultimate consequence of fertilizer use, we need to analyze the possible effects of synthetic fertilizers. Let's examine the options:
A) Death of aquatic organisms: Synthetic fertilizers contain chemicals that can contaminate water bodies. Excessive amounts of these nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, can lead to an overgrowth of algae, resulting in a process called eutrophication. This process can deplete oxygen levels in the water, leading to the death of aquatic organisms like fish or other sensitive species.
B) Algal blooms grow rapidly: As mentioned before, synthetic fertilizers contribute to eutrophication. Excess nutrients in the water promote the rapid growth of algae, resulting in algal blooms. These excessive algal populations can disrupt the balance of ecosystems, impacting water quality and, in some cases, harming aquatic life.
C) Fertilizer runs off with rainwater: Synthetic fertilizers can be washed away from fields during rainfall or irrigation, a process known as runoff. This runoff can carry the fertilizers into nearby water bodies, contaminating them with excess nutrients. This contamination can contribute to eutrophication and the subsequent consequences mentioned above.
D) Deoxygenated water bodies: Excessive nutrients, caused by fertilizer runoff and subsequent algal blooms, can consume large amounts of oxygen as they decompose. This depletes oxygen levels in the water, leading to a condition called hypoxia or anoxia. In such an environment, aquatic organisms struggle or even die due to a lack of oxygen.
Considering all the options, D) Deoxygenated water bodies can be identified as the ultimate consequence of fertilizer use. It encompasses the interconnected effects of eutrophication, algal blooms, and the subsequent oxygen depletion in water bodies.