With reference to Eutrophication, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- It is a phenomenon of nutrient enrichment of a water body.
- It depletes dissolved oxygen of the water.
Verified Answer
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation:
Eutrophication is the process by which a body of water becomes overly enriched with minerals and nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants (Statement 1). When these organisms die, their decomposition by bacteria consumes large amounts of dissolved oxygen in the water, leading to oxygen depletion (hypoxia or anoxia), which can harm or kill other aquatic life (Statement 2).