A.P. Biology ?

Question

Name a pollutent of an aquatic ecosystem and what is it's effect/effects it has on the ecosystem.

Answer 1

Excess nitrogen is a pollutant in aquatic ecosystems.  Nitrogen enters the water in runoff from livestock operations, crop fertilizers, and even from treated wastewater from sewage facilities.

Excess nitrogen can lead to eutrophication.  The nitrogen causes excess growth of algae.  When the algae become too crowded and die, they begin to decompose.  The decomposer bacteria populations increase dramatically and use too much oxygen.  Without oxygen the fish and other creatures die.