Definition and Process
What is eutrophication?
Eutrophication is when excess nutrients are washed into a body of water which causes increased growth of algae.
What is eutrophication mostly caused by?
Humans.
Which 2 gases can be produced from the decomposition of plant matter and algae?
Methane and hydrogen sulfite.
Is Lake Winnipeg challenged with eutrophication?
Yes.
Reduce fertilizer use by..
Using slow-release fertilizers and planning fertilization properly.
Which 2 elements enter the water during this process?
Nitrogen and Phosphorus.
Which human activities mostly cause eutrophication?
Agriculture, burning fossil fuel, sewage, and industrial waste.
What does the lack of oxygen from eutrophication in waters kill?
Fish and seagrass.
What excessive amount of a nutrient does Lake Winnipeg have?
Phosphorus.
Using detergents with less phosphorus will..
Lessen phosphorus in detergents.
TRUE OR FALSE: eutrophication makes a good environment for organisms to prosper.
False.
What is cultural eutrophication?
When agricultural fertilizers cause eutrophication by releasing extra nutrients
into bodies of water.
What is the word for when eutrophication could cause heavy blooms of algae which could then reduce water clarity and ruin the water quality?
Algal blooms.
When did Lake Winnipeg start to experience eutrophication?
Since at least the early 1990’s.
Using in-lake treatments which we will be using..
Sand, clay, or gravel to cap the lake and to bury the nutrients deeper in sediments.
What happens to the oxygen levels?
It lowers because as dead algae starts to decompose, oxygen is consumed in that process.
How can sewage cause eutrophication?
Because when sewage is set free into waters, it contains a lot of Phosphorus and Nitrogen.
How are toxic substances released and what can happen?
The algal blooms can release toxins which can cause shellfish poisoning or serious health problems in humans.
Lake Winnipeg is placed at what for the world’s largest freshwater lake in the world that is experiencing eutrophication?
#10.
What can removing fish do?
Removing the fish can allow the primary consumers to control the algae.
What can eventually happen to these waters?
It can become dead zones that are unable to support life in those waters.
What’s wrong with agricultural runoff?
Agricultural runoff is the prime source of Nitrogen pollutants.
Eutrophication can affect the balance of organisms in an ecosystem, which could lead to what?
The loss of aquatic biodiversity.
What are the blue/green algae blooms caused by eutrophication in Lake Winnipeg called?
Cyanobacteria.
Building ponds to capture the nutrients and cut off water flow.
Retention ponds.