Eutrophication is a condition where excessive growth of algal bloom occurs on the surface of a water body because of abundant nutrients. Which of the following are the key nutrients for eutrophication?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 2 i.e. Phosphorus and nitrogen.
Eutrophication occurs when water bodies receive excess nutrients, leading to dense algal blooms that deplete oxygen and harm aquatic life. The key nutrients responsible are nitrogen and phosphorus, often introduced through agricultural runoff, sewage discharge, and industrial effluents. These nutrients act as fertilizers for algae, causing rapid growth on the water’s surface. As algae die and decompose, oxygen levels drop, creating “dead zones.” Thus, controlling nitrogen and phosphorus input is essential to prevent and manage eutrophication effectively.