Question

What does the addition of phosphate fertilizers into water lead to?

(a) Increased algae growth

(b) Decreased algae growth

(c) Increased growth of decomposers

(d) Nutrient enrichment

I have been asked this question in a national level competition.

My question is taken from Environmental Chemistry in chapter Environmental Chemistry of Chemistry – Class 11

Answer 1

Correct choice is (d) Nutrient enrichment

To explain I would say: Addition of phosphate fertilizers into water bodies lead to nutrient enrichment. This condition is also known as eutrophication. When excess nutrients are formed, this, in turn, will lead to the growth of algae in the water body. These algae will consume the oxygen that is present in the water and thus, there will not be sufficient oxygen left for use of the aquatic organisms inhabiting the water body. As a result, death of these aquatic organisms will take place in large quantities. And therefore, leads to pollution.