Explain what eutrophication is and how it is caused

Some farmers use too many fertilisers, so when heavy rain comes, these can run off the fields. This then pollutes nearby streams and rivers, leading to eutrophication.
The process of eutrophication is as follows:Excessive nutrients from fertilisers are flushed from the land into rivers or lakes by rainwater, leading to a nutrient build up.The pollutants cause aquatic plant growth of algae, duckweed and other plants.This causes an algae bloom, which is a build up of algae, which prevents sunlight reaching other plants meaning less photosynthesis occurs. This causes the other plants to die, as a result oxygen in the water is depleted.These dead plants are then broken down by decomposing bacteria. These bacteria use up even more oxygen in the water, so oxygen is even further depleted.Oxygen levels then reach a point where no life is possible. Fish and other organisms die as a result.

AT
Answered by Abdullah T. Biology tutor

3631 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

In terms of pressure and volume, explain the changes that take place in the chest to allow ventilation to occur.


Describe and explain how the secretion of ADH affects urine produced by the kidneys.


Describe differences between animal and plant cells


What is the correct order of the reflex arc?


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences