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

13162 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What are the different parts of the heart?


How do vaccinations work? Why don't they cause disease?


Describe how smoking damages the lungs


What is the difference between active transport and diffusion.


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