All Flashcards
What are the effects of agricultural runoff on aquatic ecosystems?
Nutrient pollution leading to eutrophication, algal blooms, and dead zones.
What is the effect of untreated wastewater discharge on water quality?
Introduction of pathogens and nutrients, leading to eutrophication and health risks.
What are the effects of algal blooms?
Blocking sunlight, oxygen depletion, and potential release of toxins.
What are the effects of hypoxia in aquatic ecosystems?
Fish kills and loss of other aquatic life.
How does population growth contribute to eutrophication?
Increased sewage and waste, leading to higher nutrient levels in waterways.
What is the impact of eutrophication on drinking water sources?
Water becomes unsafe for consumption due to toxins and changes in water chemistry.
What is the impact of eutrophication on irrigation water?
Water quality decreases, potentially harming crops and soil.
What is the effect of climate change on eutrophication?
Increased water temperatures can exacerbate algal blooms.
What are the effects of fertilizer overuse?
Nutrient runoff leading to eutrophication in nearby water bodies.
What is the impact of deforestation on eutrophication?
Increased erosion and runoff, carrying nutrients into waterways.
What drives eutrophication?
Excess nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus.
Why are point sources easier to manage than non-point sources?
Point sources are specific and identifiable, allowing for targeted regulation.
How does eutrophication lead to biodiversity loss?
Dead zones, shading of aquatic plants, and ecosystem cascades.
Explain the role of decomposition in eutrophication.
Decomposition of algae consumes oxygen, leading to hypoxia.
Why is it important to understand trophic states?
Helps assess the health and nutrient levels of aquatic ecosystems.
Why is eutrophication considered a high-value topic?
Connects water pollution, agriculture, human impacts, and ecosystem health.
What is the relationship between algal blooms and sunlight?
Algal blooms block sunlight, preventing it from reaching other aquatic plants.
How does eutrophication affect water chemistry?
Changes pH, temperature, and can lead to ocean acidification.
What is the role of bacteria in eutrophication?
Bacteria decompose dead algae, consuming oxygen and contributing to hypoxia.
How do humans contribute to eutrophication?
Through agriculture, industrial activity, and population growth, releasing excess nutrients.
What are the environmental consequences of fertilizer runoff?
Eutrophication, algal blooms, dead zones, and loss of aquatic life.
What is the effect of algal blooms on aquatic ecosystems?
Blocks sunlight, depletes oxygen, and can release toxins, harming aquatic life.
What are the effects of excess CO2 in water due to eutrophication?
Ocean acidification, harming marine organisms and ecosystems.
What are the consequences of dead zones?
Loss of biodiversity, fish kills, and uninhabitable areas for aquatic life.
What is the impact of wastewater discharge on water bodies?
Introduces excess nutrients, leading to eutrophication and water pollution.
What is the effect of decreased dissolved oxygen?
Aquatic life dies due to lack of oxygen.
What are the effects of agriculture runoff?
Fertilizers and animal waste runoff.
What are the effects of industrial activity?
Wastewater discharge.
What are the effects of population growth?
Increased sewage and waste.
What are the effects of algal toxins?
Harming humans and animals.