Question

State the effects of discharging organic wastes rich in nutrients in a water body.

Answer 1

Nutrient pollution, a form of water pollution, refers to contamination by excessive inputs of nutrients. It is a primary cause of eutrophication of surface waters, in which excess nutrients, usually nitrogen or phosphorus, stimulate algal growth. Sources of nutrient pollution include surface runoff from farm fields and pastures, discharges from septic tanks and feedlots, and emissions from combustion.

• It can cause excess growth of algae as algae survive in nutrient rich bodies.
• The food web of the aquatic or land ecosystem can change due to limitation of light.
• It can cause excess nitrate in drinking water which would ultimately cause blue baby syndrome.
• It can also be one of the causes for biodiversity loss due to growth of algal blooms.