Some communities have banned detergents containing high levels of phosphates because excessive phosphates in lakes may begin a process called eutrophication causing fish to suffocate and die.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

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Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]

A	True
B	False
C	Either A or B
D	None of the above

Explanation:

Detailed explanation-1: -While phosphates are low toxicity, they instead cause nutrient pollution and feed the algae. This leads to eutrophication and harmful algal bloom. Many countries have banned the use of phosphates in detergent, including the European Union and the United States.

Detailed explanation-2: -Eutrophication is the process in which a water body becomes overly enriched with nutrients, leading to plentiful growth of simple plant life. The excessive growth (or bloom) of algae and plankton in a water body are indicators of this process.

Detailed explanation-3: -Eutrophication sets off a chain reaction in the ecosystem, starting with an overabundance of algae and plants. The excess algae and plant matter eventually decompose, producing large amounts of carbon dioxide. This lowers the pH of seawater, a process known as ocean acidification.

Detailed explanation-4: -When a water body becomes enriched in dissolved nutrients, especially phosphorous and nitrogen, they stimulate the growth of aquatic plant life, which can lead to the depletion of dissolved oxygen (DO). This is known as eutrophication.

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