ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
Figure
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Source of Figure
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Figure 9
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http://www.bbc.co.uk
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Eutrophication:
Eutrophication is defined as unintentional enrichment. In
this case, the unintentional enrichment of water with nitrates and phosphates.
Nitrates and phosphates form a main constituent of
fertilizers. These fertilizers in soil may wash away as dissolved salts with
running water to streams, rivers, lakes or ground water. This rich in nitrogen
and phosphates water, supports the growth of algae. These algae grow on the
surface of water using the dissolved oxygen in the water. As this oxygen is
consumed, the sustainability of underwater aquatic life becomes difficult and
it begins to die out. Algae growth also obstructs the sunlight to underwater
plants, which are unable to photosynthesize and die.
The decomposition of this dead living beings also uses the
dissolved oxygen, and this is how eutrophication can totally deprive a water
body of its dissolved oxygen and render it infertile to support life.
Figure 9 summarizes the entire process of eutrophication.
Figure 9:
