0
What are the typical amount of phosphates and nitrates in bodies of water?
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoWant this question answered?
Be notified when an answer is posted
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What is the difference between nitrates and phosphates?
Nitrates are compounds containing nitrogen and oxygen, commonly found in fertilizers and as a pollutant in water bodies. Phosphates are compounds containing phosphorus and oxygen, also found in fertilizers and contributing to water pollution. Both can lead to nutrient pollution in water bodies, but nitrates are more associated with groundwater contamination while phosphates are more linked to surface water issues.
What type of pollutant Fertilizers such as nitrates and phosphates are examples of?
Fertilizers such as nitrates and phosphates are examples of water pollutants known as nutrient pollutants. These nutrients can cause eutrophication in bodies of water, leading to excessive algae growth and oxygen depletion, which can harm aquatic ecosystems.
What are nitrates and phosphates in water?
Nitrates and phosphates are nutrients that can be found in water from various sources like runoff from agricultural activities, fertilizers, and wastewater discharge. While these nutrients are essential for plant growth, high levels can lead to eutrophication, causing excessive algae growth and depleting oxygen levels in water bodies, which can harm aquatic ecosystems. Monitoring and controlling levels of nitrates and phosphates in water is important to protect water quality.
Fertilizers such as nitrates and phosphates are examples of what type of pollutant?
Fertilizers like nitrates and phosphates are examples of nutrient pollutants. When these nutrients enter water bodies in excessive amounts, they can cause algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and harm aquatic ecosystems in a process known as eutrophication.
How do excess phosphates and nitrates lead to eutrophication?
Excess phosphates and nitrates from agricultural runoff or urban sewage can stimulate excessive algae and plant growth in bodies of water, leading to eutrophication. As these organisms die and decompose, they deplete dissolved oxygen in the water, which can suffocate other aquatic life. This process disrupts the balance of the ecosystem and can lead to the loss of biodiversity.
What role have nitrates and phosphates played in damaging muddy creek?
Nitrates and phosphates are known as nutrients that can cause eutrophication in water bodies like Muddy Creek. Excessive levels of these nutrients can lead to algal blooms which deplete oxygen when they die, leading to fish kills and harming other aquatic life. These nutrients can also contribute to poor water quality and impact the overall health of the ecosystem in Muddy Creek.
Why does the soil lose nitrates during heavy rain or flooding?
During heavy rain or flooding, excess water can leach nitrates from the soil, washing them away and making them inaccessible to plants. This process is known as leaching, and it occurs because water carries the nitrates deeper into the soil layers or even into nearby water bodies, reducing the amount of nitrates available for plant uptake.
What is Nitrates and phosphates?
Nitrates and phosphates are nutrients found in fertilizers and sewage that can run off into water bodies, causing excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants. This overgrowth can lead to harmful algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and ultimately harm aquatic ecosystems. controlling their levels is important to protect water quality and aquatic life.
How do nitrates used in fertilizer make their way into bodies of water like lakes and streams?
rain water and water used to irrigate crops can carry these nitrates to rivers and lakes
What is least likely to cause eutrophication?
Rainfall is least likely to cause eutrophication. Eutrophication is typically caused by excess nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, entering bodies of water from sources like agricultural runoff and wastewater discharge, leading to excessive algae growth and oxygen depletion. Rainfall alone does not directly contribute to eutrophication.
Why where phosphates removed from laundry detergent?
Phosphates were removed from laundry detergents due to environmental concerns. When phosphates from detergents enter water systems, they can lead to algal blooms, which deplete oxygen levels and harm aquatic life. Regulatory bodies mandated the removal of phosphates in detergents to reduce water pollution and protect ecosystems.
Why have phosphates been removed from laundry detergets?
Phosphates contribute to water pollution by promoting algae growth, leading to environmental damage in water bodies. By removing phosphates from laundry detergents, companies aim to reduce the impact on aquatic ecosystems and improve water quality.
