Chemistry – Chemistry of the environment - Water | e-Consult
Chemistry of the environment - Water (1 questions)
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The presence of nitrates and phosphates in water acts as a nutrient supply for algae, particularly blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). These nutrients are essential for algal growth. The process is as follows:
- Nutrient Availability: Nitrates and phosphates are absorbed by algae and used in the synthesis of proteins, nucleic acids, and other essential organic molecules.
- Increased Growth Rate: With an abundance of these nutrients, algae experience a rapid increase in growth rate and population size.
- Algal Blooms: The rapid growth leads to algal blooms, where the water becomes visibly discolored (often green or blue-green) due to the high concentration of algae.
- Oxygen Depletion: As the algae die and decompose, bacteria consume the organic matter, consuming large amounts of dissolved oxygen in the water. This can lead to oxygen depletion, harming other aquatic life.