A large pond receives sewage runoff from a cattle feedlot and fertilizer runoff from surrounding fields.The runoff contains large quantities of nitrogen and phosphorus.The pond undergoes an algal bloom.The algae die off and are decomposed by bacteria, which depletes the pond's oxygen content.Fish and invertebrates begin to die.What process is the pond undergoing, and changes in what limiting factor or factors initiated the process?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pond is undergoing eutrophication, which is the excessive nutrient enrichment of a body of water resulting in increased algal growth and depletion of oxygen. The runoff from the cattle feedlot and surrounding fields contains large quantities of nitrogen and phosphorus, both of which are limiting factors that can initiate the process of eutrophication. Therefore, the correct choice is B, eutrophication; nitrogen, phosphorus, or both.

A Large Pond Receives Sewage Runoff from a Cattle Feedlot