Phosphate fertilizers have increased the amount of phosphate in lakes and other bodies of water. What effect does this increase have on the producers in the water?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Phosphate is a key nutrient for producers in aquatic ecosystems, such as algae and aquatic plants. Therefore, an increase in the phosphate availability in water will stimulate their growth. This can lead to eutrophication, where the excess growth of these producers results in an imbalance in the ecosystem, leading to reduced dissolved oxygen, changes in water chemistry, compromised aquatic animal health and abundance, and other detrimental effects.

Phosphate Fertilizers Have Increased the Amount of Phosphate in Lakes