A large amount of untreated sewage entered the river. Many fish died. Untreated sewage contains organic matter and bacteria. Explain why many fish died. (5)

Sewage entering the water caused plants to die.Bacteria then decayed this dead organic plant matter (1) through digestion (1).These bacteria will carry out aerobic respiration, using oxygen (1).This therefore lowered the oxygen concentration in the water (1).Therefore this meant fish could no longer carry out sufficient aerobic respiration, reducing their energy production and therefore they died (1).


JC
Answered by Joy C. Biology tutor

13262 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What happes in mitosis?


Describe ways in which a healthy artery differs from an artery affected by coronary heart disease


Describe the reflex arc.


What's the difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration?


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