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Nutrients remove oxygen from water either by direct oxidation or through being consumed by plants or animals (bacteria). The potential for oxygen removal is measured by: BOD (biochemical oxygen demand) measures the amount of oxygen that bacteria can remove, COD (chemical oxygen demand) measures how much oxygen can be removed by chemical processes, and TOD (Total Oxygen Demand) is the total of all oxygen removed biochemically and chemically.
Generally, colder water can hold more dissolved oxygen than warmer water. If you make a rough nomograph and plot the same amount of dissolved oxygen for a cold and warm temperature, you will see that the cold water is less saturated (can hold more oxygen) than the more saturated warm water.
Nutrients effect oxygen levels indirectly in a process called eutrophication. If the nutrient happens to be a limiting nutrient (such as phosphate in lakes), then the carrying capacity of the photosynthetic organisms is raised. This allows for a population growth, commonly seen as algal blooms. The population of decomposers is then boosted too, since they feed (decay) on the phytoplankton/algae. As more and more organic material settles to the benthic zone, decomposers increase and need more oxygen for respiration. This results in oxygen depletion in the ecosystem, making life for marine animals such as fish difficult/impossible.
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Which organisms reproduce rapidly resulting eventually in a lack of oxygen?
Certain types of bacteria and algae can reproduce rapidly in bodies of water, leading to an excess growth called algal bloom. These blooms can deplete oxygen levels in the water as they consume it for their own growth. This lack of oxygen can be harmful to aquatic organisms, creating what is known as a dead zone.
Explain how the presence of algae can indicate either pollution or productivity of a body of water?
The presence of excessive algae, known as an algal bloom, can indicate pollution in a body of water due to an excess of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from sources like agricultural runoff and untreated sewage. On the other hand, in healthy ecosystems, algae contribute to the productivity of a body of water by serving as the base of the food chain and producing oxygen through photosynthesis. Monitoring algae levels can help assess the health of aquatic environments.
How are algal blooms and red tides similar?
Algal blooms and red tides are both caused by the rapid growth of certain types of algae, often due to nutrient pollution in water. This overgrowth can lead to dense populations of algae, causing discoloration of the water and potential harm to aquatic life by depleting oxygen levels. Red tides specifically refer to algal blooms that produce toxins that can be harmful to marine organisms and humans.
How much chlorine do I add to kill algae?
The amount of chlorine needed to kill algae in a pool depends on the severity of the algae bloom and the size of the pool. It is recommended to shock the pool with a higher dose of chlorine than usual, following the manufacturer's instructions on the product packaging. Additionally, consider using an algaecide in conjunction with the chlorine for more effective treatment.
What can happen after a lake recives a large input of a limiting nutrient?
After a lake receives a large input of a limiting nutrient such as phosphorus or nitrogen, excessive algal growth can occur. This can lead to algal blooms which deplete oxygen levels in the water, harm aquatic life, and disrupt the ecosystem balance. Additionally, the increased algal growth can lead to a phenomenon known as eutrophication, where the lake becomes overly enriched with nutrients and can become turbid and inhospitable to many organisms.
