Raw sewage within a water ecosystem can kill fish because respiration by the microbes in the sewage reduces the concentration of oxygen within the water.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Raw sewage contains high levels of organic matter, which serves as a food source for microbes. The microbes multiply rapidly, consuming the oxygen within the water through respiration. As a result, the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the water decreases, leading to a condition called hypoxia. This is harmful to fish and other aquatic organisms, as they need oxygen to survive. Therefore, raw sewage within a water ecosystem can indeed kill fish.

Raw Sewage Within a Water Ecosystem Can Kill Fish Because