How may nitrate from fertiliser entering lakes cause the death of fish in fresh water?

The addition of excess nitrate to the freshwater body causes algal bloom on the surface, blocking sunlight. This reduces the photosynthetic activity of submerged plants, causing them to die. Subsequently, they are decomposed by saprobiontic microorganisms, which use up the oxygen in the water via the process of aerobic respiration. This means that the water becomes anoxic, and aerobic organisms like fish also die.

Answered by Cocoa M. Biology tutor

1859 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the stages of phagocytosis (4 marks)


Describe the structure of a triacylglyceride


How does saltatory conduction work?


Why can enzymes only catalyse one specific reaction?


We're here to help

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