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Chapter 20: Problem 83

In many natural waters, nitrogen and phosphorus are the least abundant nutrients available for plant life. Some waters that become polluted from agricultural runoff or municipal sewage become infested with algae. The algae flourish, and fish life dies off as a result. Describe how these events are chemically related.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The chemical relationship between the events involves the increased availability of nitrogen and phosphorus in water due to pollution from agricultural runoff and municipal sewage. This leads to excessive algae growth, which consumes oxygen and releases carbon dioxide, negatively affecting aquatic life. The decline in fish life results from oxygen depletion and potential toxic effects of the algal blooms.

Step by step solution

01

1. Understand the role of nitrogen and phosphorus in water ecosystems

Nitrogen and phosphorus are essential nutrients for plant life, including algae. They are required for the growth and maintenance of the plants, as they are components of essential biomolecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids. In natural water ecosystems, the availability of these nutrients limits the growth of algae and other plants.
02

2. Identify the impact of agricultural runoff and municipal sewage on water ecosystems

Agricultural runoff and municipal sewage contain high concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus, originating from sources like fertilizers and waste products. When these pollutants enter water bodies, the increased availability of nutrients leads to an excessive growth of algae, known as an algal bloom.
03

3. Explain the process of algae growth due to the increased availability of nutrients

With an increased supply of nitrogen and phosphorus, algae are able to grow and reproduce rapidly. These algal blooms result in an increased biomass of algae in the water, which consumes oxygen and releases carbon dioxide during respiration.
04

4. Describe the impact of algal blooms on fish life

As the amount of oxygen in the water decreases due to excessive algae growth, fish and other aquatic life struggle to survive as they require oxygen for their respiration. Additionally, some algae produce toxins that can be harmful to fish and other aquatic organisms. These factors contribute to a decline in fish life and overall health of the water ecosystem.
05

5. Establish the chemical relationship between these events

The chemical relationship between these events revolves around the increased availability of nitrogen and phosphorus in the water due to pollution. This increase in nutrient availability leads to excessive algae growth, which consumes oxygen and releases carbon dioxide, negatively affecting the aquatic life. The decline in fish life results from the oxygen depletion and potential toxic effects of the algal blooms.

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