Question

Which long-term environmental effect is most strongly linked to excessive phosphorus discharge into water bodies?

• A. Acidification
• B. Salinization
• C. Thermal pollution
• D. Eutrophication

Hint:

Nutrient enrichment due to excess \[ \boxed{\text{Nitrogen and Phosphorus}} \] causes \[ \boxed{\text{Eutrophication}.} \]

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Recall the role phosphorus plays in water bodies.
Phosphorus is a key nutrient that limits how much algae and aquatic plants can grow in most freshwater systems.
Step 2: See what excess phosphorus triggers.
When phosphorus is discharged in excess, it removes this limitation and algae multiply rapidly, forming dense blooms.
Step 3: Follow the long term consequence.
As the algae die and decompose, dissolved oxygen in the water gets used up, harming aquatic life. This whole nutrient enrichment process is called eutrophication.
\[ \boxed{\text{Eutrophication}} \]