Question

Assertion (A): Cultural eutrophication is also called as accelerated eutrophication
Reason (R): Cultural eutrophication occurs at a slow rate which cannot be predicted

• A. Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation for the assertion
• B. Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation for the assertion
• C. Assertion is true but reason is false
• D. Both assertion and reason are false

Answer 1

The correct option is C Assertion is true but reason is false

Eutrophication is natural aging of water bodies such as lakes due to the enrichment of the water by nutrients. This causes excessive growth of algae, plants and other aquatic organisms.

Eutrophication is a natural phenomenon. However, the pollutants produced due to human activities like effluents from the industries and homes can accelerate the aging process of water bodies drastically. This is called as accelerated or cultural eutrophication.

The prime contaminants responsible for cultural or accelerated eutrophication are nitrates and phosphates. They cause profuse growth of algae like cyanobacteria causing unsightly scum and unpleasant odours. These organisms consume lots of oxygen and oxygen level gets depleted in water bodies which affects aquatic life. Also, the pollutants can cause death of fish and other aquatic life.

Cultural eutrophication occurs at a faster rate and in no time, the water body gets converted to land.

Hence, assertion is true but reason is false.