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

2175 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How does a nerve ending work?


Describe the main evolutionary trend in digestion across the phyla: Platyhelminthes, Chordata and Annelida


What can endotherms do to reduce their body temperature?


Outline the process which occurs when an action potential arrives at a synapse


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