Which of the following orders correctly represents the trend in eutrophication?
Answer Details
The correct order that represents the trend in eutrophication is: Excess nitrates and phosphates → Massive algal growth → Lack of oxygen → Death of aquatic organisms.
Eutrophication is a process in which excessive nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus, enter water bodies and promote the growth of algae and other aquatic plants. This overgrowth of aquatic plants is called an algal bloom, which can block sunlight and reduce the oxygen levels in water. As a result, aquatic organisms may die due to oxygen depletion. Therefore, the correct order of the trend in eutrophication is excess nitrates and phosphates → massive algal growth → lack of oxygen → death of aquatic organisms.