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Multiple Choice
How might fertilizer runoff from a soybean field affect the quality of water in the farm pond?
A
It will decrease the temperature of the pond, slowing down metabolic rates of aquatic organisms.
B
It will increase the salinity of the pond water, making it unsuitable for freshwater organisms.
C
It can introduce heavy metals, leading to bioaccumulation in fish.
D
It can lead to eutrophication, causing excessive algal growth and decreased oxygen levels.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of fertilizer runoff: Fertilizer runoff occurs when excess nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, from agricultural fields are carried into nearby water bodies by rain or irrigation water.
Learn about eutrophication: Eutrophication is a process where nutrient enrichment in water bodies leads to excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants. This is often caused by the runoff of fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus.
Explain the consequences of excessive algal growth: When algae grow excessively, they can form dense mats on the surface of the water, blocking sunlight from reaching underwater plants. This disrupts the ecosystem and reduces biodiversity.
Discuss oxygen depletion: As algae die and decompose, bacteria consume oxygen during the decomposition process. This leads to hypoxic (low oxygen) or anoxic (no oxygen) conditions in the water, which can harm or kill aquatic organisms such as fish and invertebrates.
Summarize the impact on water quality: Fertilizer runoff can lead to eutrophication, causing excessive algal growth, decreased oxygen levels, and overall degradation of water quality in the farm pond.