How could heavily fertilized lawns contribute to cyanobacterial blooms in lakes and oceans?
A) Run-off from the lawns will get into the water system, leading to large amounts of nitrogen that can be used by cyanobacteria in water systems.
B) Nutrient-rich grass will be mowed down, with grass clipping bits eventually washing into sewer systems and into larger bodies of water. These grass clippings will serve as a nutrient source for cyanobacteria, leading to blooms.
C) Large amounts of fertilizer will lead to excessive production of greenhouse gases (like CO₂) from grass in lawns. Excessive CO₂ production will lead to large blooms of cyanobacteria in water systems.
D) Fertilizers contains compounds that encourage the production of bacteriochlorophylls; after rain, fertilizers get into water and are used by cyanobacteria.
E) They won't-the two systems are completely unrelated. How could grass in lawns contribute to effects in lakes and oceans?

Question

How could heavily fertilized lawns contribute to cyanobacterial blooms in lakes and oceans?
A) Run-off from the lawns will get into the water system, leading to large amounts of nitrogen that can be used by cyanobacteria in water systems.
B) Nutrient-rich grass will be mowed down, with grass clipping bits eventually washing into sewer systems and into larger bodies of water. These grass clippings will serve as a nutrient source for cyanobacteria, leading to blooms.
C) Large amounts of fertilizer will lead to excessive production of greenhouse gases (like CO₂) from grass in lawns. Excessive CO₂ production will lead to large blooms of cyanobacteria in water systems.
D) Fertilizers contains compounds that encourage the production of bacteriochlorophylls; after rain, fertilizers get into water and are used by cyanobacteria. 
E) They won't-the two systems are completely unrelated. How could grass in lawns contribute to effects in lakes and oceans?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Heavy fertilizer use on lawns can lead to run-off of excess nutrients, such as nitrogen, into nearby water systems. Cyanobacteria can use these excess nutrients to fuel their growth and form blooms in lakes and oceans.

Answer: B 
 Grass clippings from heavily fertilized lawns can also wash into nearby water systems and serve as a nutrient source for cyanobacteria, contributing to blooms.

How Could Heavily Fertilized Lawns Contribute to Cyanobacterial Blooms in Lakes