Question

Plant nutrients affect aquatic life. Sort the steps involved accordingly.

• A. Excess nutrients enter the water bodies.
• B. Excess nutrients help algae to bloom.
• C. Algae spreads and die off.
• D. Decomposition of dead organic matter.
• E. Dissolved oxygen decreases.

Answer 1

When excess nitrogen and phosphates enter the water bodies, it fertilizes algae and aquatic plant boosting their growth. Algae then spreads and covers the water surface. Algae die off, large amount of organic matter gets accumulated. Bacteria starts decomposing this dead organic matter. This bacterial activity drives down the level of oxygen in water bodies and this kills aquatic life.