Briefly describe the environmental effects of nitrogen fertilisers in a body of water

The nitrogen fertiliser would leach into the water. This would cause algae to grow exponentially on the surface of the water, therefore would reduce the amount of light available to plants below the surface. Light is the limiting factor.

The plants would die (as cannot photosynthesise) and saprobiotic organisms would feed off the dead plants, as well as use up the oxygen in the water. Oxygen is the limiting factor.  Reduction in oxygen causes aerobic organisms in water to die. The water is now putrid. 

HB
Answered by Holly B. Biology tutor

3013 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between the primary and secondary immune responses? (May be asked in the form of how to interpret a commonly used graph on the subject)


What is meant by the term stroke volume?


The MMR vaccine gives protection against measles, mumps and rubella. How? (4 marks)


Describe the structure of DNA


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning