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Water Pollution | Biology for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Untreated Sewage & Excess Fertiliser

  • Human actions have resulted in the contamination of land, water, and air.
  • Pollution originates from diverse sources such as industrial activities, manufacturing processes, waste disposal, agricultural chemicals, nuclear fallout, and untreated sewage.

Water Pollution | Biology for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11Water Pollution | Biology for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11

Eutrophication

  • Runoff of fertilizer from farmland flows into the water, leading to an increased growth of algae and water plants.
  • The resulting 'algal bloom' obstructs sunlight penetration, causing water plants at the bottom to perish. The algae also suffer as competition for nutrients escalates.
  • With a rise in the mortality of water plants and algae, decomposing bacteria multiply, consuming dissolved oxygen during aerobic respiration.
  • Consequently, water holds less dissolved oxygen, impacting aquatic organisms like fish and insects, potentially causing their suffocation and demise.

Water Pollution | Biology for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11

Question for Water Pollution
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What is the main cause of eutrophication in water bodies?
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FAQs on Water Pollution - Biology for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11

1. What are the main sources of untreated sewage and excess fertiliser contributing to eutrophication?
Ans. Untreated sewage mainly comes from households, industries, and agriculture, while excess fertiliser runoff is primarily from agriculture and gardening activities.
2. How does eutrophication contribute to water pollution?
Ans. Eutrophication leads to an overgrowth of algae and aquatic plants, which depletes oxygen levels in the water, resulting in fish kills and the overall degradation of water quality.
3. What are the environmental impacts of untreated sewage and excess fertiliser on aquatic ecosystems?
Ans. The environmental impacts include the loss of biodiversity, habitat destruction, and the formation of harmful algal blooms that can release toxins into the water.
4. How can untreated sewage and excess fertiliser be managed to prevent eutrophication and water pollution?
Ans. Effective sewage treatment plants, proper waste disposal practices, and implementing sustainable agricultural practices can help manage the sources of untreated sewage and excess fertiliser.
5. What are some ways that individuals can help reduce the impact of untreated sewage and excess fertiliser on water bodies?
Ans. Individuals can reduce water usage, properly dispose of household chemicals, choose environmentally friendly fertilisers, and participate in community clean-up efforts to help protect water bodies from pollution.
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