AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -What is eutrophication? The overloading of seas, lakes, rivers and streams with nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) can result in a series of adverse effects known as eutrophication. Phosphorus is the key nutrient for eutrophication in fresh waters and nitrate is the key substance for salt waters.

Detailed explanation-2: -An overabundance of nutrients-primarily nitrogen and phosphorus-in water starts a process called eutrophication. Algae feed on the nutrients, growing, spreading, and turning the water green. Algae blooms can smell bad, block sunlight, and even release toxins in some cases.

Detailed explanation-3: -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.

Detailed explanation-4: -Poultry manure, used a crop fertierlizer or stored as waste, can be a source of ammonia and nitrate to ground water and streams.