Question

Identify the false statement. (a) Eutrophication is due to over nutrition. (b) Eutrophication is due to sediment formation by soil erosion. (c) Eutrophication is caused by phosphate pollution in water is due to detergents. (d) A1l are correct.

Short answer

The false statement is (b).

Step-by-step solution

- Understand Eutrophication

Eutrophication is a process where water bodies become overly enriched with nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants.

- Review Statement (a)

Statement (a) suggests that eutrophication is due to over nutrition. This is correct because eutrophication does indeed result from an excess of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus.

- Review Statement (b)

Statement (b) suggests that eutrophication is due to sediment formation by soil erosion. This is incorrect because sediment formation from soil erosion primarily affects the turbidity and siltation of water bodies, not directly causing eutrophication.

- Review Statement (c)

Statement (c) suggests that eutrophication is caused by phosphate pollution due to detergents. This is correct as phosphates from detergents can lead to nutrient overloading in water bodies.

- Review Statement (d)

Statement (d) suggests that all the statements are correct. Since statement (b) is incorrect, this cannot be true.

Key concepts

Nutrient Enrichment

Nutrient enrichment occurs when water bodies receive an influx of nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients often come from agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, and industrial effluents.
Nutrient enrichment can lead to rapid growth of aquatic plants and algae, disrupting the natural balance of ecosystems.

• One major source of such nutrients is fertilizers used in agriculture.
• Wastewater from households and industrial processes can also contribute excess nutrients.

Nutrient enrichment creates ideal conditions for algal blooms, which can deplete oxygen levels and harm aquatic life.

Algal Bloom

An algal bloom is a rapid increase or accumulation of algae in water systems, often resulting from nutrient enrichment.
Algal blooms can occur in both freshwater and marine environments and can have harmful effects on ecosystems.
They can block sunlight from reaching other aquatic plants, disrupting photosynthesis.

• Some algal blooms produce toxins that are harmful to fish, shellfish, and even humans.
• When algae die, they decompose, consuming large amounts of oxygen and creating dead zones where aquatic life cannot survive.

Addressing nutrient enrichment is key to preventing harmful algal blooms.

Phosphate Pollution

Phosphate pollution is one of the primary contributors to nutrient enrichment and eutrophication.
Phosphates are often found in detergents and fertilizers and can make their way into water bodies through runoff or wastewater discharge.
Once in the water, phosphates promote excessive plant and algae growth.
Regulation and reduction of phosphate use in products can help mitigate this pollution.

• Many countries have implemented restrictions on phosphate content in detergents.
• Farmers are encouraged to use phosphate-free or reduced-phosphate fertilizers.

Proper wastewater treatment can also significantly reduce phosphate levels entering water bodies.

Soil Erosion

Soil erosion is the displacement of the upper layer of soil, often due to water, wind, or human activity.
This process can contribute to water pollution by increasing turbidity and introducing sediments into water bodies.
Though erosion affects water quality, it is not a direct cause of eutrophication.
Preventing soil erosion involves practices like planting cover crops, using erosion control fabrics, and building terraces.

• Erosion can lead to habitat degradation for aquatic organisms.
• Increased sediment can clog fish gills and smother bottom-dwelling species.

Effective soil management helps maintain both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem health.