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Question

The enrichment of nutrients by human activity is called as

A
Biological oxygen demand
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B
Biological magnification
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C
Eutrophication
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D
Chemical Oxygen demand
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Solution

The correct option is C Eutrophication
The enrichment of nutrients by human activity is called as eutrophication.
Eutrophication occurs when a body of water becomes overly enriched with nutrients. While this can happen naturally, accelerated eutrophication is typically the result of human activities.
It might sound like a good thing to have extra nutrients added to water, eutrophication typically has a detrimental effect. An overabundance of nutrients stimulates the rapid growth of algae and aquatic plant life. This excessive growth depletes dissolved oxygen levels within the water to a point where other organisms, such as fish, cannot survive.

The problem is intensified when these large collections of algae die and begin to decay. The bacteria that decompose the dead algae require oxygen, which consumes even more dissolved oxygen in the water, essentially suffocating other organisms. Dissolved oxygen is the amount of oxygen contained in a body of water. It is an important indicator of the health of a water body and its ability to support a diverse balance of aquatic organisms.

When eutrophication occurs, a body of water can undergo explosive growth of algae at or near the surface of the water, referred to as algal blooms. When algal blooms are dense, they form visible green or yellowish-brown coverings that appear to float on the water surface. This blocks sunlight that is needed by organisms in the water and further depletes oxygen.
Eutrophication is typically the result of human activities that contribute excess amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus into water.

Agricultural fertilizers are one of the main human causes of eutrophication. Fertilizers, used in farming to make soil more fertile, contain nitrogen and phosphorus. The use, or overuse, of fertilizers can cause these nutrients to runoff of the farmer's field and enter waterways. The same fertilizers that were intended to enhance crop growth now enhance the growth of algae and aquatic plants. Fertilizer runoff can occur from other sources, including lawns and golf courses, but agricultural practices are a main source of nutrient pollution.

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