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. 

Answered by Holly B. Biology tutor

1933 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How does DNA replication work?


Describe how fertiliser run-off can cause damage to a lake's ecosystem.


The formation of new species is known as speciation. Explain the difference between Allopatric and Sympatric speciation. [1 mark]


Explain the stages of an ECG trace.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy