Chapter 18: Q61E (page 774)
In many natural waters, nitrogen and phosphorus are the least abundant nutrients available for plant life. Some waters that become polluted from agricultural runoff or municipal sewage become infested with algae. The algae flourish, and fish life dies off as a result. Describe how these events are chemically related.
Short Answer
Nitrogen and phosphorus are the least plentiful nutrients available for plant growth in many natural waterways. Algae can grow in waterways that have been contaminated by agricultural runoff or municipal sewage. As a result, the algae thrive and the fish population declines. These events are chemically related as nutrient contamination can cause sections of water to be depleted or devoid of oxygen.