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Difficulty: EasyWater Pollution, Industrial Effluents, and Water Treatment

Agricultural runoff containing excess synthetic fertilizers frequently drains into freshwater bodies. Which of the following chemical species present in such runoff is primarily responsible for triggering rapid algal growth and subsequent dissolved oxygen depletion (eutrophication)?

  1. Trioxophosphates(V)Answer
  2. B
    Chlorofluorocarbons
  3. C
    Calcium tetraoxosulfate(VI)
  4. D
    Concentrated ethanoic acid

Answer

Trioxophosphates(V) (phosphates) are nutrient compounds present in agricultural runoff and detergents that stimulate algal growth, leading to oxygen depletion in water bodies.
Trioxophosphates(V) derived from fertilizers and synthetic detergents act as major plant nutrients. When introduced into rivers and lakes, they cause excessive growth of algae. Upon dying, aerobic bacteria decompose the algae, consuming large amounts of dissolved oxygen and causing fish kill and water degradation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the chemical pollutant associated with agricultural fertilizer runoff.
Agricultural fertilizers predominantly contain trioxonitrates(V) and trioxophosphates(V).
Phosphorus compounds act as limiting nutrients in aquatic ecosystems.
2
Determine the environmental mechanism triggered by nutrient enrichment.
Excess trioxophosphates(V) cause rapid accumulation of algae (algal bloom), which cuts off light and consumes dissolved oxygen during decomposition.
This process is known as eutrophication.

Key Concept

Eutrophication caused by industrial and agricultural nutrient pollution
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Topics

Water Pollution, Industrial Effluents, and Water Treatment

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