Question

The process whereby oxygen is depleted by the growth of microorganisms due to excess nutrients in aquatic systems is called________. a. dead zoning b. eutrophication C. retrophication d. depletion

Short answer

The correct term for the process whereby oxygen is depleted by the growth of microorganisms due to excess nutrients in aquatic systems is b. Eutrophication.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the terms

To solve this exercise, let's first understand what each term in the options represents: a. Dead zoning: This term generally refers to areas where aquatic life cannot survive due to lack of oxygen or other resources, often caused by human activities such as pollution. b. Eutrophication: This is a process by which an water body receives an excessive amount of nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, usually from human activities like agricultural runoff, sewage discharge, or industrial waste. This excess of nutrients leads to the excessive growth of microorganisms, such as algae and bacteria, which in turn deplete the oxygen in the water. c. Retrophication: This term appears to be a misspelled or made-up term and carries no meaning related to the problem. d. Depletion: This term refers to the reduction of any resource, but it does not specifically refer to the process of oxygen depletion due to microorganism growth caused by excess nutrients in aquatic systems.

Identify the correct term

Now that we understand the meaning of each term, we can choose the correct one that describes the given process. As mentioned, eutrophication is the process where oxygen is depleted due to the growth of microorganisms caused by excess nutrients in aquatic systems. Therefore, the correct answer is: b. Eutrophication

Key concepts

Understanding Aquatic Ecosystems

Aquatic ecosystems are vibrant habitats teeming with various forms of life, from fish and amphibians to plants and microorganisms. These ecosystems can be found in bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and oceans, each possessing a delicate balance of conditions necessary for the survival of the species that inhabit them. Nutrient levels, water temperature, pH, and oxygen content are among the vital parameters that govern the health and function of these ecosystems.

Aquatic organisms have evolved to thrive in specific conditions. Alterations in these parameters can significantly affect their survival. Understanding aquatic ecosystems is crucial because they play a pivotal role in maintaining global biodiversity, supporting food chains, and providing resources that humans rely on, such as food and clean water. Maintaining the health of these ecosystems is not only beneficial to the organisms that live in them but also essential for human well-being.

The Impact of Oxygen Depletion

Oxygen depletion in aquatic environments, often referred to as hypoxia, is a condition where the oxygen levels in water become dangerously low, creating a hostile environment for many aquatic organisms. This condition can lead to dead zones, areas where it is difficult for marine life to survive. Such depletion can be the result of various factors, including the excessive growth of algae and other microorganisms that consume large amounts of oxygen, especially when they decay.

Oxygen is vital for the survival of aerobic organisms (organisms that require oxygen to survive). Low levels of dissolved oxygen affect the metabolism of aquatic animals and can lead to stunted growth, reproductive issues, and even death. The understanding of oxygen depletion is essential, as it allows scientists and environmentalists to create strategies to mitigate its adverse effects on aquatic life and the overall health of ecosystems.

Nutrient Pollution and Eutrophication

Nutrient pollution is characterized by an excess of chemicals like nitrogen and phosphorus entering a water body, often through runoff from agriculture, sewage, and industrial waste. These nutrients act as fertilizers in the water, promoting the overgrowth of plants and algae, a phenomenon known as eutrophication. While nutrients are generally important for plant growth, in excessive amounts, they disrupt the natural balance of aquatic ecosystems.

During eutrophication, the increased growth of algae can lead to algal blooms, which block sunlight from reaching underwater plants and use up available oxygen as they decompose, contributing to the oxygen depletion already discussed. These combined effects can devastate aquatic ecosystems, leading to the loss of biodiversity, changes in species composition, and disruption of food webs. Addressing nutrient pollution is therefore a critical step towards protecting and restoring the health of aquatic ecosystems.