Describe the process of Eutrophication.

Excess nitrates and phosphates are water soluble and enter rivers/lakes/waterway due to leaching.Algae in the water use the increased level of ions for growth. This is called Algal bloom.Build up of algae on surface of water prevents light reaching the plants at the bottom of the lake, therefore these plants die because they can't photosynthesise. Saprobionts decompose the dead plant matter and population of saprobionts increases. Saprobionts respire aerobically and therefore use up O2 in the water, causing depletion of dissolved O2. O2 is now the limiting factor.Depletion of O2 causes other organisms such as fish to die

JU
Answered by Junaid U. Biology tutor

5483 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How does Acetylcholine act on a neuronal synapse, and how is it re-uptaken?


How do auxins bring about positive phototropism in plants?


How does DNA undergo replication?


Why are nitrogen and phosphorus vital in photosynthesising plants


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning