What happens during eutrophication?

The addition of nutrients such as nitrate means that nutrients no longer limit plant growth.Algae begins to bloom which blocks out sunlight. As a result, plants cannot photosynthesise (or photosynthesis is reduced) and they begin to die. As a result, the oxygen levels in the water fall.The dead plants are decomposed by microorganisms whose aerobic respiration further depletes oxygen.Eventually, the oxygen levels drop so significantly that fish cannot respire and die as a result.The level of anaerobic organisms increases, further decomposition occurs and the water becomes putrid.

Answered by Emily C. Biology tutor

2320 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What evidence proves that the Y chromosome determines maleness?


What is osmosis?


What is the difference between transcription and translation?


Explain how can barren land be made habitable in reference to succession.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences