Question

Which of the following can be a major source for eutrophication of surface water?

(a) Nitrogen

(b) Calcium

(c) Magnesium

(d) Potassium

This question was posed to me in class test.

The doubt is from Pollutants Environmental Impact in chapter Environmental Impact of Pollutants and Analysis of Dose – Effect Relationship of Environmental Biotechnology

Answer 1

Correct answer is (a) Nitrogen

To elaborate: Nitrogen and phosphorus is majorly responsible for Eutrophication which leads to overgrowth of plants and algae in aquatic ecosystems, after the death of the organisms die, bacterial degradation requires a lot of oxygen consumption leading to hypoxia, Calcium, potassium and magnesium are the basic nutrients and minerals available in the environment not leading to eutrophication.