Eutrophic Waters

Question

Eutrophic waters
A) are nutrient rich AND contain 3.5% salt.
B) may become hypoxic AND lack phosphate, nitrate, and iron.
C) lack phosphate, nitrate, and iron AND contain 3.5% salt.
D) contain 3.5% salt AND are alkaline.
E) are nutrient rich AND may become hypoxic.

Accepted Answer

Eutrophic waters are waters that are nutrient rich, particularly in nitrogen and phosphorus, which can lead to extensive plant growth and blooms of algae. When these plants die, they sink to the bottom and are decomposed by bacteria, which consume oxygen, leading to hypoxic conditions (low oxygen levels). Therefore, eutrophic waters may become hypoxic.