Eutrophication

Question 1

What is eutrophication?

Answer 1

Eutrophication is the excessive richness of nutrients in a lake or other body of water. Frequently due to run-off from the land which causes a dense growth of plant life/algal blooming.

Question 2

What is algal blooming?

Answer 2

Algal blooming is the excess growth of algae that covers a body of water/lake

Question 3

Give two ways by which oxygen is depleted during eutrophication and state why

Answer 3

1. Decomposition of plant materials
   - microbes use oxygen to respire
2. Algal blooms present other plants from performing photosynthesis

Question 4

What are the sources of pollution? (What causes excess nutrients in the water?)

Answer 4

Untreated sewage and Fertiliser

Question 5

What is the process of eutrophication?

Answer 5

Excessive nutrients are washed in causing algal blooming which prevents sunlight causing plant death. Decomposers take up dissolved oxygen causing ecosystems death

Question 6

What is a decomposer?

Answer 6

A microorganisms like bacteria or fungi that cause decay

Question 7

What is leaching

Answer 7

Leaching is when fertiliser and raw sewage is washed into water sources