Which one of the following statements is correct? [2007]a)Both Azotoba...
Statement: Extensive use of chemical fertilizers may lead to eutrophication of nearby water bodies.
Explanation:
Definition of Eutrophication:
Eutrophication is the process by which a body of water becomes enriched in nutrients, especially phosphates and nitrates, leading to increased growth and decay of aquatic plants and algae.
Explanation of the Statement:
The statement states that the extensive use of chemical fertilizers may lead to eutrophication of nearby water bodies. This statement is correct and can be explained as follows:
1. Chemical Fertilizers and Nutrients:Chemical fertilizers are commonly used in agriculture to provide essential nutrients to plants. These fertilizers contain high concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for plant growth.
2. Runoff and Water Bodies:When chemical fertilizers are applied to fields, the excess nutrients can be washed away by rainwater or irrigation and enter nearby water bodies through runoff. This runoff carries the nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, into rivers, lakes, and oceans.
3. Nutrient Enrichment:Once these nutrients enter the water bodies, they act as fertilizers for aquatic plants and algae. The increased availability of nutrients leads to excessive growth of these organisms, resulting in algal blooms and dense aquatic plant growth.
4. Algal Blooms and Aquatic Plant Growth:Algal blooms are rapid and excessive growths of algae in water bodies. They can block sunlight from reaching other aquatic plants, deplete oxygen levels, and create a hypoxic environment, leading to the death of fish and other aquatic organisms.
5. Decomposition and Eutrophication:When the algae and aquatic plants die, their decomposition consumes oxygen, further depleting oxygen levels in the water. This process is known as eutrophication. The decreased oxygen levels can cause fish kills and harm other aquatic life, disrupting the balance of the ecosystem.
Conclusion:The extensive use of chemical fertilizers can contribute to eutrophication of nearby water bodies by increasing nutrient levels, promoting algal blooms, and disrupting the aquatic ecosystem. Therefore, option D is the correct statement.