Question

Explain the cause of algal bloom in a water body.

Answer 1

Eutrophication is the cause of algal bloom in a water body.

1. Eutrophication is the process of nutrient enrichment of water and consequent loss of species diversity.
2. The increase in nutrients is due to water pollution caused by inorganic fertilizers rich in nitrates and phosphates and organic wastes.
3. This causes a sudden increase in the growth of algae leading to a phenomenon called ‘algal bloom’.
4. The algae forms a dense cover on the surface of the water body which depletes the oxygen dissolved in water and leads to the death of other aquatic plants and animals.