20.3.8

Eutrophication

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Eutrophication

Eutrophication happens when excessive fertiliser enters water sources from the land. This causes the availability of nitrates and other ions in the water to increase. The consequences of this are:

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Increased growth of producers

  • Very fast growth spurts, or 'blooms', of algae is common.
Illustrative background for Increases the rate of respiration of decomposersIllustrative background for Increases the rate of respiration of decomposers ?? "content

Increases the rate of respiration of decomposers

  • This means that producers decompose more quickly.
  • This also leads to a lower level of dissolved oxygen in the water.
    • Organisms that need oxygen can't respire, and so they die.

Jump to other topics

1Classification of Living Organisms

2Organisation of the Organism

3Movement Into & Out of Cells

4Biological Molecules

5Enzymes

6Plant Nutrition

7Human Nutrition

8Transport in Plants

9Transport in Animals

10Diseases & Immunity

11Gas Exchange in Humans

12Respiration

13Excretion in Humans

14Coordination & Response

15Drugs

16Reproduction

17Inheritance

18Variation & Selection

19Organisms & Their Environment

20Human Influence on Ecosystems

21Biotechnology & Genetic Modification

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